Chapter 262

Hogwarts, Great Hall

The news of Lockhart's open class on the meditation method was announced three days ago. In addition to Lockhart's Squib research assistants, a large number of young wizards also signed up.

Even reporters from various newspapers outside had asked for connections to participate in this course.

Because this was regarded as the first time the secret of meditation would be officially revealed.

Previously, most had only heard of the existence of the meditation method.

When Lockhart learned about the large number of people attending the open class, he immediately discussed with Professor McGonagall the possibility of borrowing the Great Hall.

Because the hall is spacious enough to accommodate more participants.

At this moment, the people in the hall looked like ants from above. A large crowd had gathered, and the sound was quite noisy.

Those sitting at the front were professors from Hogwarts and some visitors from pure-blood families.

Behind them were Lockhart's Squib research assistants. They all sat on stools, eagerly communicating with their companions around them.

Most of the people in the middle were students from Hogwarts. Those who had mastered Transfiguration were waving their wands to conjure small stools for themselves.

And students like those in the first grade, who had not yet mastered Transfiguration, sat on the small stools they had brought over.

At the same time, they looked back from time to time.

Because behind them were many adult wizards holding cameras, with white lights flashing along with clicking sounds every now and then.

The entire hall was very noisy due to the many wizards whispering.

Harry Potter, his friend Hermione, and Ron sat in the middle and front, communicating with each other excitedly.

"There are so many people here today. It seems that Professor Lockhart's lectures are very attractive," Harry couldn't help but remark.

"Harry, this is normal," Hermione analyzed from the side. "Now the entire wizarding world is praising Professor Lockhart's research results as having epoch-making significance. It's normal for so many people to want to attend."

"I really hope that in the future, I can be like Professor Lockhart, standing on the stage with a large crowd of wizards calling for me," Ron said with some envy.

When Hermione heard this, she rolled her eyes at Ron and said, "Professor Lockhart is a well-known academic master in Ravenclaw. When he graduated, he got excellent grades in every subject."

"And you, you keep having problems with your homework."

After hearing Hermione's criticism, Ron flattered her shamelessly: "Hermione, Hermione, let me see your homework."

After hearing this, Harry looked at Hermione expectantly.

This left Hermione speechless.

Suddenly,

"Professor Lockhart is here!"

Sharp-eyed Hermione suddenly noticed a figure appearing on the high platform; it was Gilderoy Lockhart.

She said to Harry and Ron, slightly excitedly, "The course is about to begin. This is a so-called epoch-making research result."

The two of them also looked toward the stage excitedly.

Although they had learned about meditation in advance and even started practicing it,

It was still an honor to see so many people come to the class.

At this moment, Lockhart looked at Headmaster Dumbledore, Snape, Flitwick, and other professors at the front, and nodded slightly.

Then, he passed by the pure-blood families and looked at the dense crowd behind him.

Cough!

Lockhart put his wand to his throat and silently cast an amplification spell. With a slight cough, the entire hall quickly fell silent.

He saw all the wizards and Squibs quiet down and look at him expectantly.

The corners of Lockhart's lips curled up, and then he spoke, using a gentle and steady tone so that everyone could hear him clearly.

"Welcome to my first public meditation class."

"I think I shouldn't need to introduce myself. Everyone present should know me more or less."

"At Hogwarts, I've heard many young wizards give me an interesting title, 'Rich Professor.'"

Hearing this, the young wizards present all laughed. "Rich Professor" was widely known among them.

Because Professor Lockhart, in the eyes of these students, is a real rich man.

As long as you perform well, you will be rewarded with various magical snacks and even magical items, making him seem even wealthier.

Hearing the young wizards' laughter, Lockhart smiled and said, "Rich Professor, that name sounds kind."

"The origin of this title is not only that I have money, but more importantly, that I am good at sharing."

"If I only had money but didn't know how to share it, I'm afraid my title would become 'Stingy Professor.'"

Hearing Lockhart's joke, the students present laughed, and the whole atmosphere became more lively.

After a while, when the laughter subsided slightly, Lockhart continued: "I am a person who likes to share. I shared my experiences in books before, and they were loved by everyone. I gained a certain amount of fame and money. Thank you very much for always supporting me."

"So, when my research results took shape, I immediately wanted to share them with everyone."

"I have always believed that the more you share, the more you gain."

"When I share a piece of knowledge and a wizard learns it, we gain two pieces of knowledge. When we communicate, a third piece of knowledge is born."

"That's the great thing about sharing."

"Sharing promotes the development of knowledge and promotes the progress of civilization."

"So, today's open class is here to share my first research result—the meditation method."

Hearing this, a large number of young wizards applauded. Although they didn't fully understand, they recognized how serious it was.

In addition, what Professor Lockhart said earlier was very interesting, so they applauded.

The Hogwarts professors sitting in the front row also applauded softly, and there seemed to be a hint of admiration in their eyes. Lockhart's concept of sharing seemed to have had a certain impact on them.

You know, in today's wizarding world, secrecy is still prevalent.

For example, the profound magic mastered by pure-blood families is basically never leaked. Even if it is passed on to someone, a strict contract must be signed.

As for the articles shared in various journals, most of them seem important but do not involve the core knowledge.

Even if it were not for more reputation and profit, most wizards would not choose to disclose their research results.

Even in Lockhart's previous life, this phenomenon still existed, and it seemed to be rooted in human nature.

But those who truly produce top results are often those who dare to share.

As for whether Lockhart was being sincere, they didn't know.

But they knew that Lockhart was now sharing his research for free, which was almost consistent with what he just said.

Naturally, this would arouse their admiration.

At the same time, Dumbledore, who was sitting in front, looked at Lockhart with a softer expression.

There should be a difference between the pursuit of knowledge and the pursuit of power, right?

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