1

86 Baker Street, London, UK

Gilderoy Lockhart awoke slowly, the sharp scent of ink in the air making him slightly uncomfortable.

What is that odd smell? Did I fall asleep at my desk and knock over an ink bottle? But I haven't used fountain pen and ink in years.

He opened his eyes and took in his surroundings, freezing in place as confusion set in.

The walls were golden, adorned with white-relief portraits, and an exaggerated purple crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling. A half-height fireplace flickered warmly, surrounded by framed photos covering the walls. The desk where he had just been sleeping was opposite a man who was now staring back at him.

Lockhart had always believed that a man of his tastes would never be captivated by another man, but that was before this moment.

How could one describe such a striking figure?

The man's blond hair, reminiscent of golden tulips, gleamed brightly in the sunlight, and his sapphire-like eyes shone with energy as they gazed back at him. Two perfectly arched eyebrows stood above a straight, delicate nose. His slightly thin lips parted just enough to reveal eight gleaming teeth, set in a smile that exuded confidence. A chiseled chin, lightly dusted with stubble, added an air of rugged masculinity.

Shapely eyebrows, eyes as bright as stars, a radiant face—he was a figure of unmatched elegance, standing tall like a stately tree. If his features were any more pronounced, they would be overwhelming; any less, and they'd be insufficient. Not a single line or color seemed out of place.

Lockhart felt as though no amount of idioms or poetry could adequately capture this man's handsomeness.

Compelled to learn more about this mysterious person, Lockhart decided to approach him. He rose to his feet, took a step forward, and extended his right hand to greet him.

As he moved closer, he suddenly found himself laughing.

The impossibly handsome man across from him also stood and took a step forward, extending his left hand as if to return the greeting.

It was only then that Lockhart realized he was staring at a large mirror that covered the entire wall. The man he had admired was merely his own reflection.

Lockhart stood there, stunned. Although the man in the mirror was indeed handsome, he looked completely different from the way Lockhart had remembered himself.

As confusion swirled in his mind, Lockhart began to doubt his own reality.

Did I... travel to another world?

A surge of unfamiliar memories flooded his mind, giving him no time to react as they intertwined forcefully with his own.

Gilderoy Lockhart, male, 28 years old, the most famous adventurer and best-selling author in the British wizarding world, recipient of the Order of Merlin Third Class, honorary member of the Dark Force Defense League, and five-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award.

He was the author of numerous adventure novels supposedly based on his own experiences. His latest autobiography, Magical Me, had just been approved for publication.

But in reality, Lockhart hadn't performed any of the heroic deeds he claimed. His true talent lay in using the Obliviate charm to erase the memories of those who had actually accomplished those feats, stealing their stories to craft his books.

A month ago, Lockhart had accepted an invitation from Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts starting this year.

The position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor was notoriously cursed by Voldemort. For decades, no professor had lasted more than a year; the previous one, Quirinus Quirrell, had died during his tenure.

This was common knowledge in the wizarding world.

Therefore, no one wanted to take the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.

That's why someone like Lockhart had received Dumbledore's invitation.

In Dumbledore's mind, Lockhart was the perfect candidate: he was famous enough, and his identity and supposed experiences were sufficient to placate the school board.

Moreover, Dumbledore believed that although Lockhart was inept, he posed little real danger. Better to have a fool in the position than another Death Eater sent by Voldemort.

Finally, Dumbledore intended to use Voldemort's curse on the Defense Against the Dark Arts position to deal Lockhart a well-deserved punishment.

In 1965, Voldemort had applied for the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts but was rejected by Dumbledore.

Out of spite, he placed a powerful curse on the position.

No wizard could hold the post for a full year without being injured or killed; the best outcome was resignation in disgrace.

Voldemort did this not only out of revenge but also for three other strategic reasons.

First, the frequent turnover of professors allowed him to easily infiltrate Death Eaters into the school, as had happened with Professor Quirrell the previous year.

Second, the constant change of Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers led to a decline in the quality of instruction, gradually weakening the combat skills of ordinary wizards. With each generation, wizards became less capable, giving Death Eaters, who practiced dark magic, an increasing advantage in battle.

Third, the deterioration of Defense Against the Dark Arts education widened the gap between pure-blood wizards and their half-blood or Muggle-born counterparts. Pure-blood families could pass down advanced spells within their homes, while others were left without proper training.

While ordinary young wizards might use the Tarantallegra spell to make their duel opponents dance uncontrollably, Draco Malfoy, coming from a prominent pure-blood family, could already summon a giant snake using dark magic.

Voldemort's plan was brilliantly multifaceted, a testament to his genius as a wizard who could challenge even Dumbledore.

But Dumbledore quickly devised a counterattack.

As Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Dumbledore was well aware that the court was dominated by pure-blood families, who ensured that wizards from their ranks received lenient sentences, while Muggle-born or half-blood wizards struggled to receive fair trials.

There were also some wizards whose crimes Dumbledore knew well but for which he lacked evidence.

These wizards often found themselves invited to Hogwarts as Defense Against the Dark Arts professors, only to fall victim to Voldemort's curse, ending up either in cold graves or in St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.

Dumbledore's justice was never without wit and flexibility.

For decades, he had used Voldemort's curse to punish numerous wizards who had escaped justice in the Wizengamot, gradually transforming the body from a tool of pure-blood families into a more just court.

It could be said that Dumbledore had used Voldemort's curse to reshape the wizarding world.

And now, it was Lockhart's turn.

--

Decades ago, when Dumbledore was Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, he had a conversation with Nobby Leach, who was then the Minister of Magic.

The essence of that exchange something like this:

Nobby Leach: "To gain the support of the pure-bloods, you'll need to favor them slightly in your judgments. Only then will they back your decisions, allowing others to be judged fairly."

Dumbledore: "Is that the only way to achieve a fair sentence?"

Nobby Leach: "Even then, you'll have to consider the pure-bloods' influence."

Dumbledore: "So, after defeating Grindelwald, I've become Chief Warlock just to appease them? How is that different from bowing down?"

Nobby Leach: "That's the reality. Many would kneel if they could."

Dumbledore: "Did I defeat Grindelwald and become Chief Warlock just because my knees don't work?"

Nobby Leach: "Justice and politics don't mix."

Dumbledore: "That's rather disappointing."

Nobby Leach: "So, do you want to stand up, or do you want justice?"

Dumbledore: "I want to stand up and deliver justice."

Nobby Leach: "You can't have both."

Dumbledore: "I can't have both?"

Nobby Leach: "You can't."

Dumbledore (taking off his Headmaster's badge): "Can I deliver justice with this?"

Nobby Leach: "You can, at Hogwarts."

Dumbledore (pointing to his Chief Warlock robes): "Can I deliver justice with this?"

Nobby Leach: "If you kneel."

Dumbledore (holding the badge and robes together): "Then with these, can I stand up and deliver justice?"

Nobby Leach: "May I ask who you are?"

Dumbledore: "I am the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, the protector of the British wizarding world, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, recipient of the Order of Merlin First Class, defeater of the Dark Lord, Elder Wand bearer, discoverer of the twelve uses of dragon's blood, and friend of the Phoenix, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore."

---

For the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Lockhart initially wanted to refuse. However, Dumbledore hinted that teaching Harry Potter, the young wizard entering his second year, would bring him more attention than anything else. The opportunity to be the teacher of "Harry the Savior" was too enticing to pass up, and ultimately, Lockhart's desire for fame overpowered his fear of the rumored curse on the position.

Dumbledore understood human nature well, and a wizard with such insight could achieve most of his goals without resorting to magic.

The present Lockhart, having been thrust into this world, wished he could slap the Lockhart of a month ago. According to the original timeline, he would lose all his memory within a year and end up in St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, doomed to a life of oblivion.

Lockhart wasn't sure if Dumbledore's invitation had some hidden magical effect, but he knew that in the wizarding world, offending the headmaster and trying to escape would be nearly impossible. Otherwise, one would have to live in complete seclusion in the Muggle world, perhaps investing in companies like Google, Apple, and Amazon, betting on Brazil's World Cup win, or riding the wave of Bitcoin's surge to become a wealthy man with millions.

But Dumbledore's sense of justice was matched only by his kindness. He was known to give chances to those willing to reform. No one understood the pull of the dark side better than Dumbledore, and no one knew better what it meant to return from it.

Lockhart felt that if he could reform himself at Hogwarts and begin anew, he still had a chance to start well and end well.

It was now early June, with three months remaining before the start of the Hogwarts term. Lockhart believed that with proper preparation, he could become a competent Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.

From a dusty storage room, he unearthed the textbooks from his school days. Thanks to the original Lockhart's vanity, he had kept these books even during his poorest days, resisting the urge to sell them to second-hand bookstores.

For the next month, Lockhart threw himself into studying, pushing himself to the limit as if he were back in his high school days, cramming for exams. He first reviewed all the Hogwarts textbooks, then focused intensively on Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, and Transfiguration.

Whether due to Lockhart's natural talent, the benefits of revisiting material, or the residual skills from his past life's academic cramming, he quickly caught up. By the end of the month, he had mastered the basic spells that every Hogwarts student should know by the time they took their OWLs, and he was even more proficient in spells related to Defense Against the Dark Arts.

On the morning of July 1st, just as Lockhart was about to continue his studies, a sudden electronic sound interrupted his peaceful and fulfilling routine.

"Anomalous energy detected in the host's body. The strongest ninja system has been activated. The alertness of world consciousness has been detected at 10%. Main mission, phase one: Reduce the world consciousness's alertness as much as possible. Reward: Konoha-style basic taijutsu, level dependent on completion. Limited to one month."

"Wait, what?" The voice of this so-called ninja system sounded strangely familiar to Lockhart.

Why would there be a "strongest ninja" system in the world of Harry Potter? This wasn't even magical.

"The strongest ninja system aims to train the host to become the most powerful ninja in the world of witchcraft Naruto..." the system continued, only to be interrupted by Lockhart.

"Wait, why are you talking about the Naruto world?" Lockhart's interruption halted the system's mechanical monologue.

The system responded, "Let me ask you a few questions to confirm, and you can answer by nodding or shaking your head.

First, is the protagonist group in this world a trio consisting of two boys and one girl?"

Lockhart thought of Harry, Ron, and Hermione and nodded in acknowledgment.

"Second, is the hero a prophesied savior?"

Harry was indeed the savior predicted by Professor Trelawney, so Lockhart nodded again.

"Third, is the second male lead from a declining traditional aristocratic family, the second female lead from a commoner family, and do they eventually become a couple?"

The Weasley family was one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, and Hermione came from a Muggle family. Ron and Hermione did indeed end up together, so Lockhart nodded once more.

"Fourth, is there a character who likes to mock the protagonist group, leading them to believe he's a villain, but in reality, he's a misunderstood undercover guardian?"

Professor Snape fit this description perfectly, having been a double agent under Dumbledore's orders while being constantly misunderstood due to his harsh demeanor. Lockhart could only nod.

"Fifth, is the first villain the protagonist encounters his teacher, who uses him to steal something important, but everything is actually controlled by an old man behind the scenes?"

This matched perfectly with Harry's first Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Quirrell, who was secretly a Death Eater trying to steal the Philosopher's Stone while unknowingly playing into Dumbledore's plans. Lockhart nodded again.

"Finally, is there a villain who loves snakes so much that even his soul is tied to them?"

Voldemort's fondness for snakes and his creation of a Horcrux from one were well-known facts. Lockhart helplessly nodded.

"Well then, how can you say you're not in the Naruto world?"

Lockhart felt this system was like an idiot dragging others down to its level and then beating them with experience. It was also reminiscent of a sneaky lawyer asking trick questions. But, no matter what, there was no reason to reject a "golden finger" when it came knocking. After all, who wouldn't want to be proficient in physical combat in a world of spells?

Even a certain white-robed wizard once remarked that the romance of a mage lies in charging into battle, wielding a two-handed sword, and mastering whirlwind attacks.

Understanding the system's logic, Lockhart directly asked, "What is the world's consciousness alertness?"

The system replied, "As a traveler, the host's behavior has deviated too much from the original owner, Lockhart is a part of plot that's going on, arousing suspicion and increasing the alertness of the world consciousness. The higher the alertness, the weaker the host's mental faculties and the worse their luck."

"Once this mission is complete, the host will fully integrate into this world, and the world's consciousness alertness will stabilize."

"So that's the case! It makes perfect sense!"

Lockhart realized that his actions had diverged from the original character, causing suspicion. So, all he needed to do was return to the original character's behavior, and the mission would be complete. Lockhart quickly formed a plan.

--

To be truly compliant, one must learn to understand hints and analyze situations. For instance, if a girl asks you out to watch a movie and insists that you bring your ID card, you need to realize that it's not because she doesn't know that movie theaters don't require ID. It's because the night might involve more than just a movie—perhaps a visit to an all-night Internet café.

Gilderoy Lockhart was a master at reading between the lines.

When given a task, he knew how to dissect the instructions. The system had provided a crucial hint: "As a traveler, your habits differ too greatly from the original host, arousing suspicion from the outside world and increasing the world's consciousness."

This indicated that the so-called world consciousness didn't have the ability to directly discover that Lockhart's soul had been swapped. Instead, it developed suspicions based on the perceived differences in his behavior.

The outside world noticed that Lockhart's habits had changed too much from what they used to be. Therefore, if he reverted to the original Lockhart's behavior, those suspicions could be dispelled, thereby reducing the system's alertness.

After all, as long as someone looked, acted, and spoke like Lockhart, the world would believe he was indeed Lockhart.

Lockhart decided to fully embrace the role of the original Lockhart starting the next day.

From tomorrow onward, he would write books, respond to letters, and accept interviews.

From tomorrow, he would focus on adventure and writing.

He had a house filled with the noise and bustle of fans.

But this façade lasted only a week before he had to stop.

Lockhart is a Top celebrity of this small Wizarding World . And he often encouraged people to interact with him . He had written his owl post address in his books .

Endlessly replying to fan letters left Lockhart with no time to review his spells. And as someone who had transmigrated, he was acutely aware that beneath the seemingly peaceful surface of the wizarding world, there was a volcano on the brink of eruption. Strength was the foundation of everything.

Despite his best efforts, there might have been a flaw in his letters or some other aspect of his performance that he hadn't anticipated. Instead of decreasing, the world's alertness increased to 12%.

Fortunately, his efforts weren't entirely in vain. Lockhart had become acquainted with several fans of his books, particularly some of the main characters from the original story who caught his attention.

Miss Hermione Granger, the brightest student at Hogwarts and the know-it-all of Gryffindor, was the mastermind of the protagonist trio (fortunately, her brain was sharp enough to compensate for the others). At just 12 years old, she had finished her first year at Hogwarts. Her interests were simple yet diverse.

Simple because she only liked reading; diverse because she liked to read all kinds of books.

Her youthful enthusiasm meant that when she discovered Lockhart's works, she became an instant fan. What girl wouldn't be smitten with someone who was handsome, knowledgeable, and full of fascinating experiences?

Hermione bought multiple sets of Lockhart's books—for reading, collecting, and gifting.

After finishing her final exams at Hogwarts, Hermione wrote to Lockhart, sharing her troubles, achievements, and emotions. Her enthusiasm for letter writing only increased when Lockhart started responding to her over the past week.

Lockhart didn't discourage Hermione's idolization, which was purely innocent and involved no deeper emotions. For now, Lockhart was a positive figure, and his books, despite their embellishments, were grounded in truth.

Another notable fan was Ginny Weasley. Hermione had gifted the books to Ron for Christmas, but they had become Ginny's favorite. She often wrote to Lockhart, asking for advice on emotional matters, making Lockhart marvel at the maturity of children in this world.

Finally, there was Narcissa Malfoy, the wife of Lucius Malfoy and mother of Draco Malfoy. Unlike Hermione and Ginny, Mrs. Malfoy wrote less frequently, about once a week. Over the past month, Lockhart had received five letters from her.

The letters usually revolved around these themes:

Mrs. Malfoy mentioned that she once had dreams of traveling the world.She shared that due to family and love, she had settled into the role of a housewife prematurely.Mrs. Malfoy expressed admiration for Lockhart's adventures and encouraged him to continue his explorations and write more books, providing thrilling tales for those like her, who longed for adventure but were trapped by reality.She offered assistance if Lockhart ever encountered difficulties.

Lockhart sent a formal reply to Mrs. Malfoy, expressing his gratitude for her support. He explained that he had accepted Dumbledore's invitation to become a professor at Hogwarts and wouldn't be adventuring in the near future. His lack of recent replies was due to his focus on preparing lessons.

He also mentioned that his autobiography, "Magical Me," would be fully released in the second half of the year, and enclosed a manuscript as a gesture of apology for the delayed response and appreciation for her concern.

The letter was written on pink stationery, sprayed with a special perfume, and included a budding tulip, ensuring it would bloom upon delivery.

Lockhart's decision to respond to Mrs. Malfoy was not born out of admiration for pure-blood wizards—in fact, after reading the original seven books, he had grown to despise them more than anything. Nor was it because he had suddenly decided to abandon his efforts and seek an easier life.

Instead, he saw the potential to complete his mission through these key fan connections, and Mrs. Malfoy's help could be a crucial part of his plan.

By reading letters from fans and further integrating his memories, Lockhart finally understood why his earlier attempts at impersonation had backfired.

The root of the problem was that his portrayal of Lockhart focused too much on the surface—exaggeration, vanity, and narcissism—without capturing the deeper aspects of Lockhart's personality.

He realized that in Lockhart's original memories, one event had left a deep impression.

As a child, Lockhart had shown early magical talent. Living in the Muggle world, he believed he was destined to be extraordinary, the future "Chosen One." However, upon arriving at Hogwarts at 11, he found himself just as ordinary as most other students.

The stark contrast between his expectations and reality was unbearable for young Lockhart. So, he began to wear the flashiest shirts, pretend to be emotionally deep, and vowed to stand out as the most remarkable boy in the crowd.

In essence, Lockhart was a person whose excessive self-esteem masked a deep-seated inferiority complex—something Lockhart had initially overlooked.

Thus, his initial portrayal of Lockhart was superficial, failing to capture the true essence of the character. It's no wonder his attempts didn't yield the desired results.

---

A person who is exaggerated, narcissistic, and constantly seeks attention often conceals a fragile self-esteem and deep-seated insecurities.

Lockhart, in his previous life, understood this all too well.

In his earlier years, he had been the center of attention at his small sub-urban primary school. But when he moved on to a prestigious middle school in the big city, he found himself fading into the background.

He struggled to join conversations with classmates who discussed the latest movies, as he hadn't even stepped into a cinema until high school. The stark contrast between his previous status and his newfound obscurity gnawed at his self-worth, pushing him to seek attention through grandiose displays.

Thus, Lockhart could empathize with the original Lockhart's feelings of narcissism, vanity, and self-aggrandizement, which stemmed from a desperate need for validation that was never fully met.

The famous dramatist Stanislavski once proposed a theory in his book An Actor Prepares. He suggested that actors should focus more on the inner world of their characters, immersing themselves in the role rather than merely imitating the external actions. Now, having traveled through time, Lockhart felt he could perfectly embody the original Lockhart.

Their similar childhood experiences gave Lockhart a profound understanding of the original's psyche. After a moment of reflection, Lockhart muttered to himself, tinged with melancholy, regret, pain, and a sense of resolve:

"I will make up for our shared regrets, heal the same wounds in our hearts, and there will only be one Lockhart in this world."

How do you heal someone plagued by poverty? You either teach them to live with it or give them wealth. If the latter isn't sufficient, then provide even more.

Similarly, how do you heal someone who is narcissistic, grandiose, and vain due to a lack of attention? You either teach them to be grounded or shower them with the attention they crave. If that's not enough, give them even more.

The former approach requires a change of mindset; the latter demands a change in the world around them. Which is easier? Most would say the former, but Lockhart believed in the latter. With the memories of his past life, Lockhart declared, "In this world, no one knows how to garner attention better than I do."

In a certain part of the 21st century, it only took 15 seconds for someone to go from being unknown to famous across the country. An actor who couldn't even deliver lines properly could earn millions in a few months, and an illiterate person could stand before the United Nations and give a speech.

It wasn't necessarily the best era, nor the worst, but it was undoubtedly the most magical. That time taught Lockhart one thing—marketing and hype are the fastest ways to capture attention.

And Lockhart was ready to apply this lesson in the British wizarding world of the 20th century.

On July 1st, under Lockhart's direction, the Lockhart Fan Exchange and Mutual Aid Association was officially established.

The association classified fans into four levels—bronze, silver, gold, and diamond—based on the number of books purchased and letters received.

The three most enthusiastic fans, who had bought the most books, were elected as the administrators of the fan association. They were Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy, Miss Hermione Granger, and an anonymous fan who only communicated through letters.

The idea for the fan club administration came from Lockhart's knowledge of the moderator system in online chatrooms from his previous life.

To become a chatroom moderator, a fan had to give gifts to the host. Once a moderator, they were responsible for maintaining order and silencing disruptive users. In essence, these people paid to work for the host, and they enjoyed it.

Lockhart thought these individuals were even more pitiable than house-elves. At least house-elves worked for free; these fans paid to do so.

However, fanatical followers thrive on this kind of devotion. The three administrators of the Lockhart Fan Association were thrilled to help Lockhart manage his fanbase because they had purchased numerous copies of his books and multiple sets of his complete works. Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy even bought 100 sets, which made Lockhart marvel at the financial power of pure-blood families and the extent of fan obsession.

On July 10th, the system notified Lockhart that the alertness of the world's consciousness had dropped to 8%.

On July 15th, Lockhart donated part of his manuscript earnings to support the fan association's activities. This act ignited the enthusiasm of many fans, who began donating generously to the association.

Lockhart sent a letter urging everyone to donate within their means and rationally. Fans, in turn, started making larger donations, all while claiming, "Sir Lockhart is concerned for us."

On July 17th, the system indicated that the world's consciousness alertness had decreased to 5%.

On July 18th, at Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy's recommendation, Rita Skeeter, a renowned reporter for the Daily Prophet, became an honorary member of the fan club. She received a pearl, emerald, and gold brooch, the cost of which was covered by the fan association. Subsequently, Lockhart granted her an exclusive interview.

On July 20th, Rita Skeeter published an article in the Daily Prophet titled, "It's No Use Being a Hero if You Don't Know Lockhart."

The article not only detailed many of Lockhart's adventures but also included several personal anecdotes to flesh out his character. The story of how young Lockhart took responsibility after accidentally cutting down his cherry tree with a burst of magic was particularly memorable.

On July 25th, the system noted that the world's consciousness alertness had decreased to 3%.

On July 21st, Rita Skeeter broke the news in the Daily Prophet that Lockhart might soon become the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts.

This revelation, which she claimed was only her speculation, stemmed from three particular statements Lockhart had made during the interview:

"Who isn't afraid of You-Know-Who's curse? But Hogwarts has unfinished business for me."

"Don't ask if there's a future for the cause of justice; first, ask if injustice still exists today."

"This won't be the end; it's the beginning of a new adventure."

On July 22nd, the system reported that the alertness of the world consciousness had dropped to 2%.

On July 25th, the Daily Prophet published a slew of letters from readers, all criticizing and questioning Lockhart. However, these so-called criticisms were logically flawed and riddled with common-sense errors, making it clear they were malicious attempts at slander.

On July 26th, the Daily Prophet published an article addressing these criticisms, providing a detailed, logical, and well-reasoned response.

These low-level attacks and subsequent rebuttals were all orchestrated by Lockhart and Rita Skeeter, earning Lockhart a great deal of sympathy and support from the public.

On July 28th, the system reported that the alertness of the world consciousness had dropped to 0%.

On July 31st, the eve of the task deadline, Lockhart's related events continued to escalate, and the system informed him that the alertness of the world consciousness had dropped to -5%.

At that moment, Lockhart felt he was more Lockhart than the original Lockhart ever was.

On the morning of August 1st, a long-awaited electronic notification echoed in Lockhart's mind as he practiced his spells.

"Ding, the alertness of the world consciousness has been reduced to -5%. The first stage of the main task is complete, with a completion rate of 150%. Task reward: Konoha Fluid Technique (shadow-level potential)."

"Main task, stage two: You have dispelled doubts and gained the approval of many ninjas, but more are still uncertain. Go and earn their trust. Reward: Three Body Technique (level depends on completion). Time limit: one month. Current progress: 10,000/100,000."

Well, it seemed that this silly system treated wizards as ninjas, but thankfully, the rewards were real.

At that moment, a warm current rose from Lockhart's core, expanding with his focused thoughts, gradually spreading throughout his body. Lockhart recognized it as chakra.

Simultaneously, a flood of memories and experiences related to hand-to-hand combat and the use of melee weapons filled Lockhart's mind.

His first reaction was that his blue forget-me-not wizard's robe didn't quite suit him anymore. After all, a wizard with formidable stamina, extraordinary strength, proficiency in one-handed and two-handed swords, adept at charging, blocking, and executing whirlwind kicks, should be wearing white or gray robes instead.

----

Lockhart's dream of wearing a white robe and wielding a sword was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of an owl. The bird carried a letter in its claws, and after feeding the owl a few treats, Lockhart began to read the letter.

"Dear Mr. Lockhart,

We are delighted to inform you that the preparations for the book signing event at Flourish and Blotts on August 3rd have been completed. We eagerly anticipate your appearance..."

As Lockhart read, a familiar cunning gleam appeared in his eyes, and his mind began to whirl with ideas.

Over the next two days, owls frequently came and went from Lockhart's room, delivering letters and returning with his replies. Finally, on the appointed day, Lockhart arrived at Flourish and Blotts in Diagon Alley to prepare for his book signing.

The layout of Flourish and Blotts was quite distinctive: a large, curved counter opened onto the street, with shop assistants ready to assist customers in selecting books. Hogwarts students, before the start of the term in September, would typically withdraw money from Gringotts and purchase textbooks for their new subjects. This year, however, the number of Defense Against the Dark Arts textbooks had increased to ten. Those willing to spend a bit more time and stand in line could buy a book autographed by Mr. Lockhart himself. Fans who were Platinum members or above could even take a photo with him.

Lockhart knew that according to destiny—or the plot—he would meet the three main protagonists for the first time at this signing event. He also knew that Voldemort's diary would be secretly slipped into Ginny Weasley's cauldron by Lucius Malfoy during the chaos, setting in motion the events that would open the Chamber of Secrets.

A long queue formed outside Flourish and Blotts, and Lockhart's signing was in full swing. Hermione, having handed her parents over to the Weasleys, volunteered to help maintain order. During a break, she found herself watching Lockhart, who was surrounded by his adoring fans, and was surprised to see him watching her in return.

"You stand on the bridge and admire the scenery,

While the people admiring the scenery watch you from above.

The bright moonlight adorns your window,

As you adorn someone else's dreams."

Unconsciously, Hermione thought of a little poem she had once read, but what she didn't realize was that Lockhart was waiting for something else—chaos.

As expected, chaos soon erupted.

"You disgrace to pure-bloods! I thought there was a limit to your depravity!"

"Hit him, Dad!"

"Don't, Arthur, don't!"

Men's shouts, women's screams, and children's cries mingled together, and the crowd scattered, knocking over a bookcase. They quickly formed a circle again, eager to witness the commotion.

In the middle of the chaos, two men were wrestling on the floor, causing a ruckus. Lockhart, who was familiar with the original story, knew that one of the men was Arthur Weasley and the other was Lucius Malfoy. However, with both of them locked in combat, it was difficult to tell them apart—both shared the unfortunate trait of balding, typical of many British men.

As the two men reached for their wands, signaling an impending magical duel, Lockhart saw his opportunity. Using his superior physical skills, he leaped into the fray and executed a well-timed spell, "Separo," to separate Lucius Malfoy and Arthur Weasley, sending them tumbling to the ground.

"Ladies and gentlemen, a bookstore is a temple of knowledge, not a place for violence. I urge both parties to remain calm and resolve their differences through dialogue, not force. Magic should be used to eliminate violence, not to perpetuate it."

Lockhart's impressive display of spellwork, coupled with his politically correct speech, earned him applause and cheers from the crowd.

He then helped Arthur Weasley to his feet. As for Lucius Malfoy, he quickly stood up on his own, grabbed Draco, and vanished into the crowd. Only Lockhart noticed that Lucius had slipped a small, yellow notebook into the cauldron of the little red-haired girl standing behind Arthur Weasley. The girl was Ginny Weasley, easily identified by the badge on her chest marking her as a member of the Lockhart Fan Association. Still shaken by the recent events, Ginny trembled at the age of ten.

Lockhart approached her, bent down, and gently patted her head. "Don't worry, Miss Weasley. As long as I'm here, no harm will come to you."

After reassuring her, he crouched down and signaled to a photographer to capture a picture of himself with Ginny. He then handed her a signed copy of his new book,  Magical Me.

No one noticed that when Lockhart gave Ginny the book, he skillfully removed the yellow notebook from her cauldron and slipped it into the stack of books he was holding.

Afterward, he returned to the signing table, made a quieting gesture to the crowd, and began to speak.

"I apologize for frightening the young wizards here today. To make amends, I will give each of them a copy of my autobiography, Magical Me.

But more valuable than my book, I'm honored to announce that I will be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts."

The applause and cheers were so deafening that Lockhart had to use a Sonorus charm to amplify his voice before continuing.

"Furthermore, starting tomorrow, I will be hosting the Lockhart Duel Challenge at the Shrieking Shack in Hogsmeade for a week. Any adult wizard can challenge me to a duel, and the wizard who defeats me will receive a prize of one hundred Galleons."

The crowd's enthusiasm reached a fever pitch, drowning out even Lockhart's magically amplified voice. Even the typically uninterested Weasley boys began to cheer alongside the crowd, impressed by his earlier handling of Malfoy. Ginny and Hermione, enthusiastic fans, clapped until their hands turned red.

At that moment, Lockhart spotted Harry Potter among the group of red-haired Weasleys. Harry's black robes seemed oversized on his thin frame, his wild hair partially obscuring the lightning-shaped scar on his forehead beneath his round glasses. He seemed surprised by how quickly the situation had shifted.

Lockhart, however, decided not to exploit Harry's fame to further his own. He was already at the pinnacle of the wizarding world, and any attempt to gain more recognition through Harry might backfire.

"Alas, all good things must come to an end," Lockhart said, signaling the close of the signing event. After dining at the Leaky Cauldron with several senior members of his fan association, he returned home alone via Floo powder to his residence on Baker Street.

Once home, Lockhart retrieved the yellow notebook from his stack of books. As he did so, an electronic voice chimed in his mind.

"Ding! Soul parasite detected. Remnant soul fragments capable of communication found. Side quest initiated: Communicate with the soul, understand its wishes, and fulfill them. Reward: Edo Tensei, level trial based on completion. Time limit: one year."

"..." Lockhart sighed. Fortunately, he had plenty of time before the side quest related to Voldemort's diary was due. For now, he could focus on the Dueling Club as planned.

-------

In many situations, the effectiveness of persuasive speech is limited. Sometimes, it's more direct and impactful to let actions speak for themselves.

Lockhart had always believed that his self-promotion had reached its peak, and any further efforts would yield diminishing returns. Pushing too hard might even backfire. For those who were already convinced, more talk was unnecessary. And for those who remained skeptical, words would not change their minds—only decisive action would.

"You don't truly know someone until you've fought them." This perfectly captured the essence of what was about to unfold.

The idea of hosting a dueling competition wasn't a spontaneous decision made at the signing event; it was something Lockhart had been meticulously planning for days.

The next morning, Lockhart made his way to the headquarters of the Daily Prophet in London. Owls were constantly flying in and out, delivering freshly printed newspapers across the wizarding world.

On the front page of that day's issue was a moving picture capturing the aftermath of the previous event: the patriarchs of two families lying at Lockhart's feet as he stood triumphantly, delivering a passionate speech. The text overlaid on the image read: "Want my secrets? If you do, join the Lockhart Challenge! Everything you seek is here!" The sharp wording was the product of Lockhart's collaboration with Rita Skeeter.

In fact, the entire duel event had been orchestrated by Lockhart and Skeeter. Once Lockhart proposed the idea, Skeeter, ever eager for sensational news, immediately supported it. She handled the logistics, from securing the venue to setting up the rules and finding referees.

Rita Skeeter was an opportunist through and through—selfish, yes, but also highly effective when properly motivated. Under the right guidance, she could be a formidable ally.

When Lockhart and Skeeter arrived in Hogsmeade via the Floo Network at the Daily Prophet, everything was already in place.

Posters promoting the Lockhart Challenge were plastered across every shop window in the village. Several enchanted portraits lined the path to the dueling arena, guiding participants and explaining the rules. The lure of Galleons was palpable.

The rules were simple:

Participants must be adult wizards and must be capable of casting the Disarming Charm at least once.No weapons other than wands, and no use of the Unforgivable Curses.A wizard who loses mobility, falls from the ring, or surrenders will be deemed the loser.Sir Lockhart is entitled to a rest period of up to 10 minutes between duels.The challenge runs daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a one-hour break.Final interpretation of the rules rests with the sponsor, the Ministry of Magic's Department of Magical Games and Sports.

At the registration desk near the Shrieking Shack, volunteers from the Lockhart Fan Club were busy helping wizards sign up and fill out disclaimers.

Once inside, Lockhart saw that the once-small Shrieking Shack had been transformed into a grand arena, roughly the size of a football field with ceilings that extended at least ten meters high—no doubt the work of an Expansion Charm.

The ceiling was enchanted to reflect the outside weather, while the floor was made up of wooden planks arranged to form a massive portrait of Lockhart. Surrounding the dueling platform was a circular auditorium.

The dueling stage itself was a long, narrow platform raised about a meter off the ground. Below it were the referee's seat and the players' benches. A large screen hung overhead to give distant spectators a clear view of the action, currently looping an advertisement.

Sitting in the referee's seat was a wizard in a top hat, whom Rita Skeeter introduced in a whisper: "Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports. I promised him he could run a betting operation here, so he's fully on board."

Before Lockhart could take it all in, Bagman hurried over, grabbing Lockhart's hand. "Fancy a bet on your matches, Sir Lockhart?" he asked eagerly, his pockets jingling with Galleons hidden within his yellow-and-black robes.

"Odds are [1.1] for you to win the first match, [1.2] for five in a row, [2.0] for ten, and [5.0] if you win them all."

"Of course. I'll wager five thousand Galleons on myself to win," Lockhart replied coolly.

"Five thousand Galleons!" Bagman's eyes nearly bulged out of his head. At that moment, Lockhart could see the glint of pure greed in them.

"Fantastic... Just fantastic! Anyone else care to place a bet?"

Rita Skeeter declined, stating she never engaged in gambling.

Bagman, still ecstatic, returned to the referee's seat, eagerly approaching another potential bettor.

As the duel was about to commence, Lockhart scanned the arena. Several wizards on the players' bench were quietly preparing themselves. The stands, capable of holding thousands, were already packed. In the front row sat Hermione, Harry, Ron, Ginny, the Weasley twins, and Molly Weasley, all sporting badges from the Lockhart Fan Club. It was clear that the previous day's signing had left a significant impact.

Lockhart waved at them before raising his wand and casting "Wingardium Leviosa" on himself, floating gently into the ring.

He actually floated into the ring using the Levitation Charm! Hermione, her eyes fixed on Lockhart, was utterly astounded.

Though she couldn't hear the incantation, Hermione was certain it was the Levitation Charm—the very first spell she had mastered at Hogwarts. She recognized the wand movements instantly.

However, she was also sure that the Levitation Charm wasn't supposed to work on the caster themselves, nor could two wizards use it on each other to fly. It went against the fundamental principles of the charm.

"The essence of the Levitation Charm is that it allows a wizard to lift objects using magic. Just as a person cannot lift themselves off the ground, the Levitation Charm shouldn't allow a wizard to levitate themselves."

That was the explanation Professor Flitwick had given Hermione after she had repeatedly failed to lift herself with the charm. (Note 2)

The crowd erupted in cheers. The ability to fly was a dream as old as humanity itself, and for most of the wizards present, this was the first time they had ever seen someone flying without a broom. Only Dumbledore and You Know Who were rumored to possess such a skill.

Amid the excitement, Lockhart stood poised, as another wizard stepped into the ring. The duel was about to begin.

The bell beside the ring rang nine times, signaling the start of the duel. Ludo Bagman, serving as the referee, made the announcement with enthusiasm.

In the wizarding world, duels follow a strict protocol. It's not just a matter of pulling out your wand and starting to cast spells. Typically, the duelists stand about ten meters apart, formally exchange names, and bow to each other. The first wizard to draw their wand asks, "Are you ready?" If the answer is affirmative, they might ask if a countdown is necessary. If the opponent agrees, the duel begins after a three-two-one countdown. If the opponent declines, the duel starts immediately.

This formalized process ensures fairness and has even influenced Muggle dueling traditions. European nobles during the Middle Ages and Western cowboys during the frontier era adopted similar rules.

By the time Lockhart and his opponent had completed this ritual, the crowd's excitement had reached its peak.

"Stupefy..." "Expelliarmus!" A flash of red light shot out from Lockhart's wand before his opponent could even finish the incantation. The opposing wizard was struck by the Disarming Charm and flew out of the ring, landing in a heap on the ground.

The crowd fell into an unexpected hush, surprised by how quickly the duel—despite all the formalities—had ended.

Medical staff quickly carried the fallen wizard away. Lockhart turned toward the other competitors. "Who's next?"

The audience finally recovered from their surprise and began to applaud.

This pattern continued throughout the morning. The curse Voldemort had placed on the Defense Against the Dark Arts position had significantly weakened the quality of instruction at Hogwarts. Additionally, the peace that had lasted in the wizarding world for over a decade had left most wizards with little practical combat experience.

Lockhart's physical enhancements had also greatly improved his hand speed and reflexes, allowing him to cast spells faster than his opponents could react.

The afternoon duels followed a similar, lackluster pattern. A few wizards attempted to defend themselves by casting protective spells or using evasive maneuvers, but Lockhart's superior physicality allowed him to dodge their attacks and counter with a well-aimed Disarming Charm.

By the end of the day, Lockhart had defeated every challenger using only the Disarming Charm. It was an impressive record, but he couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed.

Though he had won every duel, his victories were against ordinary wizards who posed little challenge. It did little to enhance his reputation or earn him the recognition he needed to complete his goals.

"Are wizard duels always this rigid, with such predictable spell exchanges?" Lockhart mused. "If so, it's no wonder Flitwick won the dueling championship—being smaller must make him harder to hit." He thought this somewhat maliciously.

On the third day, during the final duel of the afternoon, Lockhart was still seeking a worthy opponent.

"No need for a break—who's next?" Lockhart called out, his tone growing more confident, perhaps even a bit arrogant.

A tall wizard leaped up from the bench, his large robes billowing as he did. They went through the standard procedure.

"Pavlovsky," the challenger introduced himself in heavily accented English.

"Lockhart."

"Are you ready?"

"Ready."

"Need a countdown?"

"Unnecessary."

As soon as the words left Lockhart's mouth, a jet of red light shot toward his face. Pavlovsky was fast—a quick-draw duelist.

Lockhart had barely any time to react. He threw himself backward, arching his upper body in a bridge to avoid the spell. The sound of the spell's release reached his ears only after he had dodged it, confirming that, indeed, the speed of light is faster than sound.

Before Lockhart could counterattack, another spell came flying at him, aimed at his torso this time. He had no choice but to step back.

Pavlovsky kept up the pressure, forcing Lockhart to retreat step by step, gradually cornering him. Lockhart realized the strategy: Pavlovsky was using his speed to push Lockhart into a corner where he could unleash a barrage of spells.

As Lockhart found himself nearing the edge of the ring, unable to dodge any further, he saw his opportunity. Instead of retreating, he lunged forward, using his physical prowess to charge at Pavlovsky.

Pavlovsky's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. He had anticipated this move.

At 35 years old, Pavlovsky was a graduate of the Second Moscow State School of Magic. Unlike the three more conservative European schools, this institution embraced new ideas, emphasizing practical experience in magical training.

Even in such a progressive environment, Pavlovsky's ideas were unconventional. Coming from a family of Muggle wrestlers, he understood the power of muscle. He advocated using Muggle martial arts in conjunction with magic and even the reverse—using magic to enhance Muggle combat techniques.

Seeing Lockhart rush forward, Pavlovsky believed he had the upper hand. He aimed his next spell just behind Lockhart, guiding him to move forward, all while calculating the distance.

"Fortis Momentum!" Pavlovsky shouted, his voice amplified by a Sonorus Charm. The duel arena fell silent as his spell echoed through the air. The audience was on the edge of their seats, Hermione among them, holding her breath in anticipation.

Pavlovsky suddenly squatted to build power, then sprang up with an uppercut aimed at Lockhart's face—a move reminiscent of the Dragon Punch.

Victory! Pavlovsky thought, confident that his signature move had landed. He had never lost when using this combination of muscle and magic.

But what happened next shocked him.

Lockhart, whom Pavlovsky had considered a traditional, and therefore vulnerable, wizard, not only took the punch but also grabbed Pavlovsky's arm mid-air.

Pavlovsky cried out in surprise, trying to break free, but Lockhart had him firmly in his grip. With a powerful swing, Lockhart hurled Pavlovsky out of the ring.

Desperate to recover, Pavlovsky tried to use his quick reflexes to cast a spell while in the air, but it was too late. All he managed was to cast a simple Lumos, which caused Lockhart to squint slightly.

In the end, Pavlovsky, unable to cast a proper spell, flung his wand like a stick, but Lockhart easily dodged it. Pavlovsky's massive frame crashed to the ground, raising a thick cloud of dust.

The once silent audience erupted into applause, the tension of the duel giving way to admiration for the spectacular showdown.

The duel had been short but filled with unexpected twists. Pavlovsky's tactical approach, Lockhart's calm evasions, and the final reversal had kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

Despite the unconventional ending, Lockhart had used his opponent's tactics against him to secure victory. The amount of dust stirred up by Pavlovsky's fall suggested just how hard he had hit the ground.

As Lockhart looked at the dust settling on the ground, he felt a moment of relief. He had almost been bested in what should have been an easy match. Thankfully, his mastery of physical combat had saved him.

But then Lockhart noticed something odd. Why was there so much dust on what should have been a clean wooden floor?

He quickly turned around and saw that Pavlovsky's wand, which had been thrown into the ring, was gone. In its place was a massive, shadowy figure rising into the air.

----

Pavlovsky's leap was perfectly timed.

It was five-fifty in the evening, and the sun had shifted to the west, but hadn't yet set. This was reflected clearly by the enchanted ceiling, which mimicked the daylight outside. Pavlovsky's leap positioned him so that the sun was directly behind him, blinding Gilderoy Lockhart as he glanced back. The intense sunlight stung Lockhart's eyes, causing him to feel disoriented.

There was no time to gather his thoughts or physically dodge—Lockhart knew he was in grave danger.

Suddenly, a spell came to mind.

"Fortis Momentum!" ( Strengthen Momentum)

Lockhart squatted down to gather his strength, clenched his fists, and propelled himself upwards with a powerful kick. His movement mirrored Pavlovsky's muscle magic from earlier, but Lockhart's speed and strength were even greater.

The two collided mid-air, separating quickly after a brief impact. Only a sharp scream was heard as Pavlovsky was flung backwards, landing motionless on the ground, while Lockhart landed safely within the ring.

The audience, still stunned from the duel's twists and turns, fell silent—quieter than a classroom under Professor Snape's stern gaze.

Ludo Bagman, the referee, was the first to react, though his mind was filled with uncertainty.

"Should I announce the result of the match? Will there be a sudden reversal? Should I wait? Will the audience think I'm too slow to respond? Maybe a slow reaction is better; if I'd been quick to declare Lockhart the winner, I'd look foolish now. Perhaps it's true that sometimes, haste makes waste."

On stage, Lockhart quickly cast a Shield Charm on himself, scanning the area for anything Pavlovsky might have thrown. Relieved to find nothing, he noticed that the dust cloud off-stage was not from Pavlovsky's body, but from his wand. Pavlovsky must have used Transfiguration to change his wand's appearance, deceiving Lockhart by throwing it while disguised as himself.

The dust cloud had been deliberately stirred up to obscure the view, preventing anyone from realizing it was just a wand.

But when did he manage to cast two Transfiguration spells in succession? Lockhart recalled Pavlovsky casting a flash after being knocked into the air, which made him squint. Initially, Lockhart thought Pavlovsky had simply cast the easiest spell in a panic, but it turned out he had used two Transfiguration spells in a split second and devised a clever tactic to deceive him.

This Pavlovsky was truly formidable, in spellcasting, combat intelligence, and quick thinking. Even in physical combat, which was typically a wizard's weakest area, he excelled.

Had Pavlovsky not faced someone like Lockhart, who was skilled in shadow-level physical combat, he might have already won.

Lockhart glanced down at Pavlovsky, who still lay on the ground. The medical team hesitated, unsure whether this was the real Pavlovsky, so they held back.

"Ahem!" Lockhart cleared his throat twice, signaling to Ludo Bagman to announce the match's result. Simultaneously, the medical team rushed forward to tend to Pavlovsky.

Among the audience, Rita Skeeter was the first to cheer, thrilled not just by the exciting duel, but because she knew the "Daily Prophet" headline tomorrow would once again be hers.

Ever since she met Lockhart, her days of exclusive scoops had lasted nearly a month.

Her cheer spread like a drop of cold water in a sizzling hot pan, igniting the entire dueling arena. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Many eyes now looked at Lockhart not just with admiration, but with something approaching worship.

The bells tolled, signaling that it was six o'clock.

"Happy times always pass so quickly; it's time to say goodbye once more…" Ludo Bagman announced the end of the day's duel.

The duel had been truly exhilarating. Wizards on the sidelines continued discussing the event as they left the field. Lockhart noticed his task progress had reached 4396 out of 10,000.

Without paying attention to anything else, Lockhart headed directly to the infirmary next to the ring.

Pavlovsky had regained consciousness and was resting on a recliner, seemingly unharmed. The efficiency of magical doctors in treating non-magical injuries was quite high.

After confirming Pavlovsky was awake, Lockhart tapped on the table to announce his arrival.

Pavlovsky opened his eyes and asked, "Do I get paid even if I lose?"

"No," Lockhart replied bluntly. After a pause, he asked, "Are you short of money? What do you need it for?"

"Can you give me money?"

"Tell me why. I don't lack money," Lockhart responded truthfully. As the most famous author in the British wizarding world, he was indeed wealthy.

Pavlovsky didn't answer directly but instead asked, "What do you think of my dueling skills? Were they any good?" He lowered his head and added, "I know I lost, but I'd appreciate an honest review."

"Honestly, you're the best dueling wizard I've ever faced. Your dueling skills are flawless," Lockhart said sincerely.

"Is that really true?"

"Yes, from the bottom of my heart."

With that, Pavlovsky shifted from lying down to sitting upright and began to recount his past to Lockhart.

"I graduated from the Second Moscow State School of Magic. After graduation, I worked for the government. In Soviet Russia, the Muggle government and wizarding government were connected .

Last year, for reasons everyone knows, I went to bed early one night. When I woke up, someone told me that the Soviet Union was gone.

I wasn't the worst off. There was a comrade who went to a space station two years ago and still hasn't been picked up.

You British wizards might not understand the chaos of the Muggle world, but you can probably grasp that I was unemployed."

Pavlovsky paused, making sure Lockhart understood before continuing. "After that, I opened a dueling hall with some comrades—a dueling school.

I come from a Muggle wrestling family, so I've always relied on physical strength to solve problems. I teach these methods in the dojo, but several of my colleagues disagreed with my approach. They argued that this wasn't how a wizard should duel.

After several disputes, they banned me from teaching in the dojo. I was so frustrated with the situation that I left Moscow in a huff.

I decided to open a dojo elsewhere to teach Pavlovsky-style dueling. I wanted to prove to the world that Pavlovsky-style dueling was the strongest… or at least the second strongest.

But I have no money—no rubles, no dollars, no pounds, and no Galleons. So I came here to try my luck. If I won, the prize of 1,000 Galleons would have been enough to open my dojo."

Pavlovsky's English was broken, with a few Russian words mixed in, and his narrative was jumbled, blending Muggle and wizarding matters. But Lockhart understood.

This was talent—talent that could establish a school in the future, yet talent that was still buried and might remain so for a long time.

This was the person Lockhart had been looking for.

"How much do you need to open a dojo? I'll give it to you."

"And the catch?" Pavlovsky didn't answer directly. He wasn't young and had enough experience to know that every gift required something in return.

"You must first teach me your dueling techniques. I'll give you 1,000 Galleons as a start, with additional payments several times a year to help open your dojo. The dojo must be established in the UK, and I will be its owner. You'll be the deputy head, and all profits, patents, and honorary awards will go to you.

Additionally, I'll need you to write a book outlining your dueling philosophy and techniques. I'll help you publish and promote it."

"I'll do it!"

"Aren't you worried I might cheat you? I thought you'd at least ask for an Unbreakable Vow—you must know the spell."

"The worst that could happen is that nothing changes and I keep wandering. But if I pass up this opportunity, I might regret it for the rest of my life. "

"Alright then, stay with me for the next few days, and we'll discuss the details after the duel is over. Take this 1,000 Galleons as an advance."

Lockhart handed Pavlovsky a small pouch. Pavlovsky stood up, took it, and then raised his hand in a military salute.

They then Flooed back to Lockhart's home on Baker Street together.

After dinner, Lockhart and Pavlovsky continued their conversation.

They talked well into the night, forgetting to sleep. Lockhart was amazed by Pavlovsky's boundless imagination, and Pavlovsky was equally impressed by Lockhart's receptiveness.

The two shared many similar views. When they encountered something unclear, they immediately began demonstrating techniques, with Pavlovsky once again marveling at Lockhart's physical prowess.

During this time, Pavlovsky noticed that Lockhart couldn't Apparate and promised to teach him later.

Lockhart also began to grasp Pavlovsky's combat philosophy:

Gather intelligence beforehand and plan tactics.Sacrifice some spell power to cast spells quickly, creating a barrage of fire to seize the initiative.Once you have the initiative, adjust your tactics accordingly and switch to whatever is most advantageous.Once you spot an opponent's weakness, concentrate firepower and strike relentlessly. If your strength surpasses the opponent's and you can completely crush them, do so immediately, leaving no room for comebacks.

-----

For the next three days, the duels continued smoothly during the day, while at night, Lockhart and Pavlovsky stayed up talking until the early hours.

Lockhart felt as though he had found a perfect partner in Pavlovsky—like a fish in water.

The opponents Lockhart faced during these three days were all ordinary wizards, employing the traditional methods of dueling. They would use harmful spells for offense, shield themselves with Protego for defense, and dodge when necessary.

Some wizards also used Transfiguration as part of their strategy. One wizard, in particular, transfigured Lockhart's bow tie into a snake to attack him, which Lockhart easily countered.

While Lockhart didn't encounter anyone with Pavlovsky's unique talents during these duels, he still gained valuable experience. He became more proficient in both spellcasting and physical combat, growing increasingly familiar with the standard fighting techniques of typical wizards. He also began to develop a combat philosophy that better suited his own strengths.

On the last day of the duels, Lockhart expected the challenge to end uneventfully, but to his surprise, his final opponent was quite different.

This wizard had black eyes, black hair, and an Asian facial structure. He wore loose robes and held a wooden sword. Speaking English with a noticeable accent, Lockhart guessed that this man might be a wizard from Asia.

"How are you?"

"I'm fine, thank you, and you?" the man in the long robe replied in his broken English. He then introduced himself, saying, "I am Tuan Jiuzi, a Qi Refiner from Zhongnan Mountain in China, and I am here to compete."

Lockhart quickly searched his memory for any knowledge about Qi Refiners but found nothing. He didn't even have information about any magic schools in China.

In his understanding, there was only one magic school in Asia, located in the southern part of Japan.

This seemed unreasonable. After all, many wizards are born to Muggle families, and with a population of over a billion in China, it was hard to believe there weren't more people with magical talent. Something didn't add up; there was definitely a bigger issue here.

But now wasn't the time to ponder these questions—Tuan Jiuzi had already started chanting incantations.

"Dutian Daleigong, Thunderbolt!"

Lockhart felt the tension in the air but reacted quickly, wasting no time.

"Protego!"

"Five Thunders!"

"Bombarda Maxima!"

"Accio Sword!"

"Expelliarmus!"

"Lei Gong, aid me!"

"Fortis Momentum!"

The two exchanged spells rapidly, their duel intensifying. Ultimately, Lockhart's physical prowess and muscle magic gave him the upper hand. He delivered a powerful punch, forcing Tuan Jiuzi to retreat.

"You are truly different from ordinary people," Tuan Jiuzi said, stepping back after taking the hit. "This is for you." He tossed a white object toward Lockhart.

Lockhart caught it and found it was a piece of jade. He wanted to ask about it, but Tuan Jiuzi interrupted, saying:

"Don't ask me what this is, and don't ask what I want you to do with it. I know as little as you do, but the head said that when the time comes, you will understand."

Riddles like this were always frustrating. Lockhart knew better than to probe further—sometimes the stakes were just too high to delve into.

Tuan Jiuzi then pulled out two pairs of sunglasses from his sleeve, putting on one and handing the other to Lockhart, motioning for him to do the same.

Afterward, he raised his wooden sword and chanted, "Bright Hall!" A blinding white light flashed, and Lockhart recognized it as a Chinese version of the Lumos spell.

Tuan Jiuzi addressed the audience, "An ordinary British wizard just dueled with Lockhart and was defeated in one round. You saw nothing else."

Seeing Lockhart's confusion, Tuan Jiuzi explained, "There's a memory modification charm on this wooden sword. It's necessary when we go out on missions."

"Alright, my task here is done. I have some other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now!" Tuan Jiuzi bid farewell with a clasped fist.

However, Lockhart was eager to learn more about Chinese Qi Refiners, so he quickly asked, "Since there are Qi Refiners in China, are there really immortals in the world?"

Tuan Jiuzi tilted his head slightly and replied, "Are you joking? How could there be immortals in this world?" With that, he stepped down from the stage and left.

It took a moment before the audience recovered, but there wasn't much discussion. In their memories, this was just another duel where Lockhart easily defeated an ordinary wizard.

Still, the applause rang out—not with the excitement of witnessing something extraordinary, but with the satisfaction of having seen Lockhart remain undefeated for seven days straight.

Ludo Bagman, seated among the spectators, was thrilled. Most people hadn't realized that Lockhart could win for seven consecutive days. Bagman had made a small fortune from this challenge.

Lockhart noticed that the progress of his task had reached 9257 out of 10,000. To complete it, he only needed to wait for the situation to escalate further, which was something Rita Skeeter would handle.

Tomorrow, he was headed to Hogwarts.

Pavlovsky, accustomed to life in the Muggle world, wanted to explore more of the UK in the 90s. Lockhart shared this interest, so the two went directly to a popular restaurant in London to try some Muggle cuisine.

After their meal, they took a walk through the streets to digest their food, chatting as they went. Eventually, they found themselves at a roadside coffee shop, where they sat down to rest.

Lockhart and Pavlovsky discussed all things magical while sipping on cold coffee to beat the August heat.

They didn't bother to lower their voices or hide their conversation from the Muggles around them. To anyone listening, they would have sounded like two eccentric individuals discussing imaginary topics.

But their conversation still managed to attract attention.

"Hi, my name is Joanne Rowling. May I ask, are you talking about magic?" A Muggle woman in her twenties approached them, her light blonde hair and gray-green eyes curious.

When the two didn't immediately reply, she added, "I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but your conversation was fascinating. I'm a writer, and I've been thinking about writing a book about magic. Perhaps we could discuss it further?"

"You're going to write a book about magic? Hahahahaha, do you know anything about magic?" Pavlovsky asked, his booming voice causing the woman to flinch slightly.

"I'm just a writer, not a magician," she replied, clearly intimidated by Pavlovsky's imposing figure. She quickly gathered her things and left, without another word.

----

August 15th, 10:00 AM.

Gilderoy Lockhart stood in front of his fireplace, looking every bit the part of a distinguished wizard. Dressed in his favorite robes, hair perfectly coiffed, and suitcase in hand, he took a handful of Floo Powder, and with a confident shout of "Hogwarts, Vice Principal's Office," he vanished into the green flames.

In the Vice Principal's office, Professor McGonagall waited, her expression serious as she watched the fireplace. Today marked the arrival of the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor—Gilderoy Lockhart. McGonagall had witnessed the position devour 37 professors since Dumbledore had denied Voldemort the role. Dumbledore often used the cursed position to deal with problematic wizards, but she knew Lockhart was different.

Despite his grandiose behavior as a student, Lockhart was brave, intelligent, kind, and determined—qualities from all four Hogwarts houses. Now, she hoped he would break the cycle and bring stability to the cursed post.

The green flames flickered, and Lockhart stepped out, instantly drawing McGonagall back from her thoughts. She noted with some surprise that he looked even more handsome in person than he did in the papers.

Lockhart surveyed the room before giving her a charming smile. "Professor McGonagall, it's been too long."

"Indeed, it has, Professor Lockhart," McGonagall replied, slipping on her glasses, signaling that she was ready to work.

Lockhart handed her a copy of his latest book. "This is a token of my appreciation. I hope you find it insightful."

McGonagall accepted the book with a polite nod, setting it aside as she waved her wand. A few parchments floated neatly from a large cabinet in her office.

"Thank you, Professor. I'll review it later. Here is your class schedule, a list of students, and guidelines on the rights and responsibilities of professors. If you have any questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to let me know."

Lockhart glanced over the timetable she handed him. "Your arrangements are excellent, Professor McGonagall. However, I have a few special requests. I plan to employ some physically demanding teaching methods, so I would prefer my lessons not be scheduled back-to-back with flying lessons, which are also quite strenuous. Additionally, I believe more students should have the opportunity to learn advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts. I suggest lowering the elective grade requirement to an A (Pass)."

McGonagall made a note of his suggestions. "Any other practical considerations?"

"I'd like to review the student records, particularly their academic performance and evaluations, as these will help me tailor my teaching approach."

McGonagall raised an eyebrow but complied, summoning another stack of parchments with a silent wave of her wand.

Lockhart transformed his book into a long table with a flick of his wand. "Brilliant Transfiguration work," McGonagall commented.

"I had an excellent teacher," Lockhart replied with a wink.

McGonagall allowed herself a small smile as she stacked the parchments on the table. "Here is the information you requested, though I must admit, the evaluations are limited to academic performance. However, I'm happy to provide private opinions on Gryffindor students."

"Thank you, Professor. As this is my first time in an educational role, I greatly appreciate the wisdom of an experienced educator like yourself."

Lockhart then immersed himself in reviewing the students' records, listening to McGonagall's evaluations as familiar names flashed before his eyes.

"Hermione Granger—top marks in every subject, quite exceptional."

"Harry Potter—hmm, tremendous potential."

"Ron Weasley—even more potential than Potter."

"Neville Longbottom—aside from his talent in Herbology, he's quite the challenge in other subjects..."

As he scanned the records, Lockhart realized that academic grades and McGonagall's comments weren't enough to gauge the students' true abilities. A preliminary assessment would be necessary.

After about half an hour, Lockhart had reviewed all the records. He thanked Professor McGonagall and left her office. She had Filch escort him to his new quarters.

Lockhart's office was spacious, with three distinct areas: an office space, a resting area, and a personal storage and experiment room. As he began to arrange his belongings, there was a knock at the door. Lockhart, wand in hand, opened it cautiously, only to find a house-elf standing there.

"Good day, Professor. I hope I'm not disturbing you, but I've come to clean your room."

"Clean my room?"

"Yes, Professor. We house-elves provide daily cleaning services when no one is around."

"Can I cancel this service?"

"As you wish, Professor. However, you can call on us for cleaning or any other service at any time. My name is Paige, and I'm at your service."

"Other services? Could I request some food? I haven't had breakfast yet."

"Certainly, Professor. It would be my pleasure."

With a snap of her fingers, Paige disappeared, only to return a minute later with a basket of food. Inside were fried eggs, potato bread, lamb chops, and a glass of milk, along with a copy of the Daily Prophet.

"My apologies, Professor, but according to school rules, the Headmaster forbids us from providing alcohol, except during banquets," Paige said, as she set the food on the table with a small bow.

Lockhart began to eat, skimming the front-page article of the Daily Prophet. "I asked Sir Lockhart when he became the number one wizard in the world, and he replied, 'Today.'" The accompanying illustration showed Lockhart defeating a wizard in a duel.

As he ate, Paige busied herself tidying up his office. She made the bed, organized his hangers, arranged his books, and even hung Lockhart's numerous photographs around the office. Of course, Lockhart kept Tom Riddle's diary securely locked away in an iron box.

Once Paige had finished tidying up, Lockhart decided to catch up on some much-needed sleep. The days of dueling and nightly exchanges of experience with Pavlovsky had left him exhausted. He slept through the afternoon, only waking when Paige returned with lunch—potato wedges with beef and a serving of ice cream.

After lunch, still feeling drowsy, Lockhart took another nap, waking in the evening. Paige brought dinner—mashed potatoes with lamb and mushroom soup. Feeling rather full, he decided on a short walk, but fatigue soon won, and he returned to his quarters, falling asleep once more.

The next morning, Paige appeared with breakfast—french fries, fried eggs, and a glass of milk.

And so, in this comfortable manner, Professor Gilderoy Lockhart spent his first day at Hogwarts.

----

The first day at Hogwarts was the only day that Gilderoy Lockhart truly felt at peace since his unexpected journey into this world two months ago.

No system notifications, no chaotic noise, no need to practice magic or respond to fan letters. He slept when he was tired and ate when he woke. Einstein once described such a lifestyle as the ideal of a pigsty, but Lockhart found it surprisingly enjoyable.

Being lazy is fun for a while, but it's hard to sustain that happiness, especially with a silent system in his head and a Horcrux of Voldemort in his possession.

Lockhart knew he couldn't remain idle forever. He needed to prepare for the upcoming research on Tom Riddle's diary. At the very least, he needed to master Occlumency to prevent Riddle from using Legilimency to uncover his secrets.

"Peppa, I need to borrow some books from the Hogwarts library. Is it open during the holidays?" Lockhart asked the house elf who was tidying up his breakfast.

Peppa paused, turned, and replied with her head bowed, "Sir, the librarian, Madam Pince, is not here during the holidays, so the library is closed. But Hagrid, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds, has a key to the library. You could ask him."

"Thank you, Peppa," Lockhart responded absentmindedly.

"It's my pleasure, sir. Do you need me to guide you?" Peppa offered, her voice tinged with nervousness.

"No need, Peppa. Although it's been years since I left Hogwarts, I haven't forgotten the way to Hagrid's hut. Also, don't worry about bringing lunch to my office today; I'll be out."

"Very well, sir." With that, Peppa Disapparated from the office, taking the cleaned dishes with her.

The August morning sun in Scotland was warm without being too hot. The recent strong winds had cleared the sky of clouds, leaving a clear and pleasantly breezy day—a perfect day to go out.

Lockhart packed the iron box containing Riddle's diary, gathered some clothes, grabbed his wand, and headed toward the Forbidden Forest. He also brought a black cloak as a gift for Hagrid, a habit from his days of maintaining appearances, and a basic courtesy.

Rubeus Hagrid, a half-giant, had been expelled from Hogwarts at fifteen after being framed by Voldemort for releasing a monster from the Chamber of Secrets that killed Myrtle. Dumbledore had defended Hagrid and offered him the position of gamekeeper and Keeper of Keys, which Hagrid had held loyally ever since. Dumbledore trusted him deeply, so much so that Hagrid was tasked with ensuring Harry got to Hogwarts safely in the original story.

Recalling what he knew about Hagrid, Lockhart soon found himself at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, where he spotted the "hut" mentioned in the books.

However, "hut" was a relative term. To Hagrid, it was likely just that, but from Lockhart's perspective, it was a sizable house, standing over five meters tall and spanning more than ten meters in length and width, complete with an enormous chair outside.

Nearby, a massive boulder had small red creatures crawling on it—fire crabs, Lockhart realized. Hagrid was squatting nearby, playfully interacting with them. The fire crabs occasionally emitted sparks from their tails, indicating their potential to make the more dangerous Blast-Ended Skrewts in the future.

Lockhart knocked on the large chair by the door, drawing Hagrid's attention. The giant man turned, finally noticing the visitor and stood up to see who had arrived.

When Hagrid rose to his full height, Lockhart was overwhelmed by the sheer size of him. Due to the movies, Lockhart had always imagined Hagrid to be around two meters tall, but the real Hagrid was far more imposing. At 1.85 meters, Lockhart found himself barely reaching Hagrid's waist and had to crane his neck to see the half-giant's face. He estimated Hagrid must be nearly four meters tall.

No wonder Hagrid found so many dangerous creatures "cute." For someone of his stature, tigers must appear as harmless as kittens.

Considering that Hagrid's father was supposedly a rather short wizard and his mother a full-blooded giantess even taller than Hagrid, Lockhart couldn't help but admire the bravery it must have taken to—

"Who are you? This is the Forbidden Forest, and you're not allowed here!" Hagrid's booming voice, emerging from his beard like an echo from a deep cave, interrupted Lockhart's musings.

"Hello, I'm Gilderoy Lockhart, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. I'm here to see Hagrid, the gamekeeper, for some assistance."

"Professor Lockhart, welcome to Hogwarts! I'm Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds. What can I do for you?" Hagrid's tone softened and became more respectful upon learning of Lockhart's new role.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Hagrid. As this is my first visit, I'd like to offer you a small gift—this, er, handkerchief. It's not much, but I hope you like it."

Lockhart had intended to present the cloak, but seeing Hagrid's enormous size, he quickly amended his words. The handkerchief, originally a cloak, was dwarfed in Hagrid's hand, but the giant seemed to appreciate the gesture all the same.

Hagrid, whether out of genuine liking for the gift or his natural enthusiasm, readily agreed to help Lockhart after hearing his request. He also invited Lockhart to see the fire crabs up close.

"Look at these little beauties," Hagrid said, picking up one of the fire crabs and gently stroking it.

The fire crab, possibly stressed by the attention, emitted a large burst of sparks from its tail, striking Hagrid's hand. The half-giant, with his tough skin, didn't seem to notice, continuing to admire the creature. "Aren't they just full of energy?"

"Or full of firepower," Lockhart thought, watching the fire crab spew sparks across the rock.

He then noticed that all the fire crabs had claws made of a grayish-white metal. "Why do their pincers look like that?" Lockhart asked, curious.

Hagrid explained, "Fire crabs are very combative by nature. They often use their pincers to establish dominance. A while back, one of these little fellas lost a pincer in a fight. I replaced it with a metal one to help him out. But then this cheeky bugger started using his new pincers to snap off everyone else's! So, I had to replace all their pincers with metal ones."

The fire crabs, now burdened with the heavier metal pincers, had seen no change in their hierarchical status, despite their new limbs. It was a strange, almost cyberpunk-like scenario in the world of magical creatures, and Lockhart couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity.

By the time they finished observing the fire crabs, it was noon. Hagrid warmly invited Lockhart to stay for lunch, an offer he accepted with some enthusiasm. The endless variations of potatoes served at the Hogwarts dining hall had grown tiresome, and he welcomed a change.

Twenty minutes later, Lockhart was sitting at Hagrid's table, staring at a Rock Cake he had been trying to bite into for what felt like an eternity. The experience left him with mixed feelings.

Don't get him wrong; he wasn't feeling sorry for himself. He was feeling sorry for Voldemort.

Voldemort had spent his entire life seeking immortality, creating seven Horcruxes and seeking out the hardest, most indestructible items to house pieces of his soul—Slytherin's locket, Hufflepuff's cup, Ravenclaw's diadem, legendary treasures he believed were unbreakable.

But if Voldemort had not framed Hagrid all those years ago and instead befriended him, the ever-hospitable Hagrid would surely have offered him one of his Rock Cakes.

Once Voldemort tried one, he would have realized there were things in the world far harder than the legendary artifacts he sought—like Hagrid's Rock Cakes.

Blaming Hagrid for Myrtle's death was perhaps Voldemort's greatest mistake. Missing out on a friend like Hagrid might be the Dark Lord's deepest regret.

Sometimes, we search the world for something only to find, when we finally look back, that what we needed was right in front of us all along.

People often become philosophers when faced with insurmountable challenges, and Lockhart, confronted with the rock-hard cake before him, found himself pondering life's deeper meanings.

-----

"Every wizard skilled in the Obliviate Charm is a potential master of Mind Arts."

Gilderoy Lockhart confirmed this statement on the title page of the book Occlumency: Protecting Your Mind through his own experience.

In just two days, Lockhart had already mastered Occlumency to a remarkable level, thanks to his expertise in the Obliviate Charm. Although he was not yet capable of forging thoughts like Severus Snape, he could effectively block any attempts at Legilimency.

However, Lockhart didn't rashly attempt to study Tom Riddle's diary. The reason was simple: Albus Dumbledore wasn't around.

As long as Dumbledore was present, even if something went wrong, any issues arising from the diary could be resolved. Dumbledore had always been the greatest source of security for all well-meaning and lawful wizards.

For now, Lockhart set aside Riddle's diary and turned his attention to the real reason he had come to Hogwarts: preparing for his lessons.

All of Lockhart's textbooks were self-authored, so he had no trouble with familiarity. The previous Gilderoy Lockhart had students reenact scenes from his books during classes—an approach Lockhart decided to maintain but with some improvements.

Originally, Lockhart did this because he could hardly perform any spells besides the Obliviate Charm. But now, Lockhart saw it as an excellent opportunity to simulate actual combat. After all, these scenes were drawn from real adventures.

Break with a Banshee, Wanderings with Werewolves, Holidays with Hags, Travels with Trolls, Voyages with Vampires, Year with the Yeti, and other books provided countermeasures for most magical creatures.

By adding analysis during performances, explaining the reasoning behind each action, and incorporating practical exercises, Lockhart believed it could become an effective teaching method.

Additionally, the fifth and seventh-year students would soon face their O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams, respectively. All Hogwarts students were required to take the O.W.L. exams, while the N.E.W.T.s were optional.

While assigning exercises and practice exams could help, Lockhart had a different approach in mind—one focused more on practical application.

As the reborn Lockhart knew, Voldemort had been resurrected, and chaos in the wizarding world was inevitable. In the original timeline, many wizards fell victim to Voldemort and his Death Eaters—the kind-hearted Cedric Diggory, Fred Weasley, and Harry Potter's young admirer, Colin Creevey...

Knowing all this in advance, it would be irresponsible to focus solely on two exams without teaching students how to defend themselves in real-world situations.

Imagine facing a deranged Death Eater intent on killing you with the Killing Curse or torturing your loved ones with the Cruciatus Curse. Would you really want to tell them, "Hold on, I'm quite knowledgeable about the five characteristics of werewolves"?

Furthermore, the Defense Against the Dark Arts subject had been poorly taught for years. As long as Lockhart taught well, their exam scores wouldn't be worse than before.

Lockhart intended to teach for an extended period, not just this year but for the young wizards in the years to come. A focus on practical skills would not only prepare them for future dangers but also ensure they weren't disadvantaged academically. Lockhart believed this was the best solution.

In addition to lesson plans, Lockhart needed to prepare a test for his first class to assess the students' abilities.

For this, he found a spell in the library that seemed perfect: The Minotaur's Magical Maze. This was a spell that offered a suitable test of magical skills.

The Minotaur, a creature from Greek mythology, was a bull-headed monster imprisoned in a labyrinth by King Minos. Prince Theseus volunteered as a sacrifice, entered the maze, and killed the beast.

Inspired by this story, The Minotaur's Magical Maze was created. It was a paper labyrinth, somewhat resembling a puzzle game. Each page represented a level, with a scene and a groove. The wizard entering the maze had to use magic to generate a magical runestone.

If the spell cast met the requirements of the scene, the runestone would fit perfectly into the groove, allowing the paper maze to turn the page and reveal the next level.

It took Lockhart two days to create three mazes of varying difficulty, tailored to test students in different year groups.

This testing method, which required students to select and cast spells independently, not only evaluated their spell-casting abilities but also their reactions to real-world situations.

Lockhart believed this test would give him a comprehensive understanding of the students' skill levels, aiding his future teaching.

Additionally, Lockhart planned to incorporate physical training into the Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Sometimes, dodging a spell was a better tactic than relying solely on defensive charms like Protego.

Most wizards weren't physically stronger than Muggles, and they could be hurt if struck by physical blows. When close enough, a punch might be a better weapon than a wand.

He also planned to establish a dueling club, diversifying it with various scenarios—not just one-on-one duels, but also one-to-many, many-to-one, and many-to-many.

For those wizards who showed talent in dueling, Lockhart intended to select a few promising students to train in Pavlovsky's fighting philosophy.

Lockhart believed this fighting style represented a more advanced future in the wizarding world. However, it wasn't suitable for every wizard. Quick casting and instant decision-making required talent. Ordinary wizards could learn from this style, but it couldn't be copied exactly.

Over the past two weeks, Lockhart had been preparing lessons and practicing Occlumency, occasionally finding time to explore the school's secrets.

Both the Room of Requirement and the Chamber of Secrets containing the basilisk were discovered by Lockhart, but he did not delve further.

The Room of Requirement seemed valuable, but it wasn't practical for Lockhart.

For many wizards, the Room of Requirement represented privacy and security, but for Lockhart as a professor, the personal laboratory in the professor's lounge was private enough. Hogwarts didn't allow Apparition, and house-elves only Apparated to the outermost office area.

The only real danger Lockhart faced was the fragment of Voldemort's soul hidden in the diary. In confronting this Horcrux, exposure was more crucial than privacy.

Being exposed to the outside world meant receiving immediate support from other professors if something went wrong. Hiding in the Room of Requirement might leave him isolated and vulnerable against Voldemort.

As for the Chamber of Secrets, Lockhart was somewhat intrigued but chose not to act rashly without first addressing the issue of Riddle's diary. Who knew what strange connections might exist between them?

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