Lockhart: Just kidding

"Peeves?"

Luke looked up.

Since the last time he used Peeves to pull off an illusion, the poltergeist had been avoiding him. It was the first time he'd seen him this semester.

He spotted Peeves hanging on a painting, wearing a mischievous grin and emitting raucous laughter.

"Up to his pranks again," Luke shrugged.

"First years have been tormented enough; people were complaining during lunch," Hermione commented thoughtfully, glancing at Luke.

Peeves seemed to have developed a particular aversion to Luke after being tricked by him.

As if drawn by their conversation, Peeves turned his head and caught sight of them. His playful expression froze instantly.

"Geralt—"

Peeves shrieked and darted through the wall in a panic.

What on earth did that ghost see in the illusion?

Luke couldn't help but wonder. It was rare to see Peeves scared to such an extent.

After Peeves vanished, Luke and Hermione made their way to the Room of Requirement on the eighth floor.

Tonight, he planned to create more alchemical props—such as replicas of the rings for the Three Unforgivable Curses.

The following morning.

Inside Hogwarts Great Hall.

Since it was a day off, they had slept in, and there were fewer young wizards when they arrived.

After a quick breakfast, Luke took Hermione to practice spells by the edge of the Black Lake.

It was like an after-school tutoring session.

In Defense Against the Dark Arts class, Lockhart only taught basic spells like how to disarm, and nothing substantial, especially after the incident with the elf.

Though Lockhart dazzled in wizard duels, only he knew it was all thanks to those rings.

Without them, he couldn't even cast basic spells, let alone conjure a Fiendfyre or an Ironclad Curse.

Lockhart from Ravenclaw may have wisdom, but it was utterly misplaced.

"Your wand movement is off," Luke observed as a puff of white smoke emitted from Hermione's wand, indicating another failed attempt.

"For the Thunderbolt Blast, the gesture needs to be more precise," he added, stepping closer and gently guiding Hermione's hand.

Feeling the warmth of his touch, Hermione's cheeks flushed slightly.

"Your hands are warm," she murmured softly.

"No, no, no, I can't think about it!" Hermione hurriedly shook her head, squinting slightly as she focused on Luke's instruction.

It must be said, Miss Hermione's talent was formidable; she had mastered the spell in just half an hour.

"Thunderbolt Blast!"

A large column of water exploded on the surface of the Black Lake, sending concentric ripples across its tranquil surface. Hermione admired her handiwork, a slow smile spreading across her face.

Meanwhile, Luke leaned against a nearby stone, casually observing Fred's bustling stall in the distance. Over the past few days, their card business had flourished, keeping Fred and his associates busier than ever. Resorting to hiring young wizards to assist had been a necessary measure.

"Luke Geralt!"

A confident voice interrupted his thoughts, prompting Luke to turn and see Lockhart approaching in his splendid cloak, his gleaming white teeth conspicuous in the sunlight.

"Are you here to purchase a ring?" Luke inquired, recalling the broken Iron Armor ring from their recent duel, shattered under the strain of a powerful curse.

"Is something the matter, Professor Lockhart?" Luke greeted him with a nod, then asked quietly.

"Oh, Miss Granger is here?" Lockhart didn't answer directly, instead glancing at Hermione, who was still practicing spells by the lake. "You two truly are the most exceptional talents I've ever encountered..."

"Alright, Professor, I think you're exaggerating a bit," Luke interjected, gently cutting off Lockhart's rambling praise.

"If you have something to discuss, please get to the point," Luke prompted, his tone indicating he was ready to listen.

Seeing Luke's inquiry, Lockhart gave up after a token resistance. He cautiously approached Luke and whispered, "Do you still have those rings you sold me last time?"

"Of course I do," Luke nodded.

"No, I mean, could those rings be enhanced?" Lockhart glanced around to ensure no one was eavesdropping before continuing in a hushed tone, "You know, I'm just a second-year wizard..."

Luke feigned ignorance. He had indeed strengthened the rune on the ring some time ago, making it less vulnerable than against Snape. But he had no intention of selling them to Lockhart.

"Do you have any ambitions?" Lockhart sensed Luke's reluctance and swiftly changed the subject. "Ambitions? Like becoming an Auror at the Ministry of Magic? Imagine the prestige, the friends you'd have, even if you fail the exams."

In Lockhart's mind, no young wizard could resist the allure of a Ministry of Magic job, especially the esteemed Auror position.

"Do you have connections at the Ministry of Magic?" Luke couldn't help but ask skeptically.

"Who needs connections when you have charisma?" Lockhart raised an eyebrow. "Just help me enchant those rings, and leave the Auror exams to me in the future!"

"I even know Minister Fudge," Lockhart added confidently.

Luke pondered for a moment. He personally had no interest in becoming an Auror. However, Lockhart's last statement intrigued him.

"You have a deal," Luke looked up and replied with a smile.

Perhaps Lockhart could be a useful ally in paving the way for Miss Hermione's future Ministerial position.

.....

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