Chapter - 34

3rd Person POV

Inside a room with was lavishly decorated, A man wearing a luxurious white suit with a bright red cape falling from his shoulders, was standing in front of a full-body mirror admiring himself 

The man was observing every detail about his reflection, from his blond hair, charming face, perfect smile, and more 

The room had lots of magic portraits of him, which were also posing or giving some actions giving him a heroic look. on his study table. 

He nodded with satisfaction about his looks and went to his study table which had plenty of letters written by his fans. 

Among the letters, there was a specific letter that he took out from the bunch and re-read to reconfirm the meeting time specified in the letter 

The Man's POV

"My luck is really good this year, first I get the chance to teach Defense against the Dark Arts in Hogwarts, which will be an additional achievement under my belt, and now I going to be interviewed by the Daily Prophet about my past achievements"

With a happy expression on my face, I took the letter in hand and left for the designated meeting spot 

After Some Time 

I arrived in front of the pub in Diagon Alley, which was the meeting spot for the interview. The pub was very famous and was always crowded with lots of people waiting to get a table.

Many started to recognize me and tried to approach me, but I didn't want to be late for my meeting so I quickly enter the pub 

I entered the pub and said my name to the receptionist and she led me to a private table in the back room, away from the crowded area. 

I came to this place many times because it was famous for its food and drinks, but unlike the usual private room, this one was further deep inside the pub.

Taking a seat at the table, I waited for the person from Daily Prophet, after a few minutes the private room's door opened, and a beautiful lady, wearing an elegant dark blue dress entered with a smile on her face that dazzled me

She wasn't alone, as a man wearing a black hat and gray coat was following behind her. 

"Mr. Lockhart, sorry for the wait" the lady spoke and her voice was sweet and pleasant to my ears 

"No problem, I just arrived and I don't mind waiting for a beauty like yourself" I stood up with my charming smile, went near the lady, took her hand, and gave a short kiss on the back of her hand to greet her

She was wearing a pair of black evening gloves, a semi-formal accessory that covered her hand beyond her mid-arm, so my kiss didn't have direct contact with her skin, which became a regret I'll hold forever in my heart

We took our seats opposite to each other, the man in the grey suit was standing behind her as if he was her bodyguard but I didn't mind it 

"Mr. Lockhart, I have to say that your deeds are nothing short of legendary, and it's my privilege and honor to meet such a man of your status in person

Oh, where are my manners, my name is Eve, Mr. Lockhart" she said with her beautiful smile ever present on her face 

"Miss. Eve, the pleasure is mine" I replied but inside, I was jumping with joy thinking that she may be a fan of mine 

Both of us exchanged pleasantries for a few minutes and I enjoyed every second of it, but suddenly I remembered the purpose of the meeting 

"Miss. Eve, shall we begin with the interview" I asked 

"Not to worry Mr. Lockhart, we have already prepared the news with your legendary deeds as the headlines for tomorrow's paper," she said and her subordinate took out a folded newspaper from his coat, placed it near me, and went back to his previous position

"Oh, You guys work fast," I said, giving my best smile to her, and excitedly took the paper which was on the table 

Previously, I thought it was going to be a small section on one of the back pages of the paper, because the front page focused on important news only, but with my picture on the front page, my popularity would skyrocket 

I unfolded the paper and read the headlines, I was stunned to my core and my throat became dry.

Cold sweat started to cover my face and my back, and my mind was blanking out, unable to process the news in my hand 

"I hope you approve of my work Mr. Lockhart, after all, I had put in my full effort into this news" she spoke, and the sweet voice that was like a melody to my ears is now like the devil itself has come to whisper and inflict fear, deep into my heart 

Out of habit or reflex which I wasn't sure, my hand went to my wand without my awareness, but her voice woke me up when she saw my action. 

"I wouldn't do that Lockhart, all my subordinates have a copy of the proof and even if you attack me, nothing will happen to me and the end result will only be your death," she said and looked back at her bodyguard

My eyes went back to the headlines in the newspaper on my hand which read 'The Fraud with Order of Merlin' with my picture on it. That's right, the newspaper contained my deepest secret which would not only ruin my life but also send me straight to Azkaban

My eyes lost the final bits of hope in them and I was scared to face the consequences 

"Please, I'll do anything you say. Just not release my secret" I begged her, because I'm basically a coward in heart and I didn't want my life to end here, but her next words made the fading light in my eyes recover a bit

"Worry not, this news won't be released to anyone and it will be safe with our organization and we will also help you protect it" she said

"Lockhart, don't think of this as a threat but take it as an opportunity"

 "An opportunity?" I asked with doubt and she spoke again 

"The master I serve saw potential in you" 

"Potential in me?" I asked, still with doubt in my voice

"Yes, in my eyes you are nothing but a pathetic wizard with zero magic talent, but in my master's eyes, you are the person who was able to fool the world with your skills and words, and that's the reason why my master decided to are given this opportunity 

The way I see it, if you follow my master loyally, do his bidding and in the process receive rewards"

"What will I have to do?" I asked is reflex with worry in my voice 

She didn't reply, but looked at me with a mixture of anger and as if I was an idiot, which further increased the fear in my heart about her

I thought about it and I could finally tell why she was looking at me with anger. They held all the cards and my life was basically theirs to do whatever they want 

Her pause in our conversation was like an eternity of suffering for me and I couldn't take it anymore and spoke up with my new resolve 

"I'm sorry for asking, I'll do anything no matter what it is," I said and then she finally spoke 

"Good" she replied with a nod 

"Show me your right forearm Lockhart" she commanded and I did it 

She took out a small wand and placed its tip on my exposed forearm, a black glow generated for the place of contact she retracted the wand back 

After a few seconds the glow faded away and in its place was a black flame tattooed on my right forearm

"This is our master's mark and with this, we can take your life without any difficulty no matter where you are," she said and I nodded without opposing because I had already accepted the fact that my life was no longer my hands 

Seeing my lack of resistance, she gave a satisfied smile and spoke 

"Looks like you understand your situation. Now it is time for your reward for being obedient" She placed a golden ring in front of me 

I took the ring without any worry since she said it was my reward, and after observing it for a few seconds, I could tell that even though it was a simple-looking golden ring its function was further away from a normal ring

"It is called a combat ring and was created by our master. There are a total of five spells placed inside it and with just your thought it will fire out spells at the speed of average Auror's and your eyesight will work as aim for the fired spell"

I was stunned again with the ring in my hand, hearing about it's functions.

Even though I had magic, I had zero talent for it, with all my spells bringing disastrous results except for memory charms but with this ring, I'll be able to back the claims of my extraordinary deeds 

New excitement and hope started to take shape within my heart at the prospect of casting spells at an Auror's level and also the fact that I working under a master who was capable to create such extraordinary magic items

"From now on don't do anything stupid, stay low and stop seeking popularity, clear your act and focus on mastering the combat ring with your time in Hogwarts, away from prying eyes.

All you have to do is follow our master's orders and your reputation will automatically reach great heights that you have never imagined"

It looks like this is really a blessing in disguise and I am ready to embrace it 

"Understood, Madam" I replied with the newly found respect for her and was ready for my new path.