However, Professor Lockhart rarely saw Vid Gray on campus.
Lockhart also wanted Vid to perform his great dramatics during class, but for some reason, every time he stepped into the classroom, some other thoughts occupied his attention. It was only after the lesson ended that he suddenly remembered his original intention.
Unfortunately, by then, that elusive student had often disappeared from his classroom.
"...What a solitary and shy child! But it's okay, he'll know that his Defense Against the Dark Arts professor actually appreciates him, and a little reputation along with the Merlin Medal shouldn't be an obstacle to our teacher-student communication."
Over breakfast, Lockhart said to Professor Flitwick:
"Of course, it's not that I have any objections to your teaching methods, dear Professor Flitwick. I just think that, besides teaching, we should guide the children to actively showcase themselves and make more good friends, rather than having nothing in their minds besides knowledge."
Professor Flitwick was so infuriated by his words that his mustache nearly stood up, and he squeaked:
"Thank you, Professor Lockhart. I believe I know how to teach my students!"
"Of course, of course, you're surely very experienced!"
Lockhart cheerfully reassured the flustered Professor Flitwick, patting his arm, and then added:
"But I suggest you still take a careful read through my book — Weekend with Werewolves. In it, I mention seven quick and effective methods for enhancing interpersonal skills, along with many instant conversation techniques. I'm sure it'll be helpful to you."
Professor Flitwick had no desire to pay him any attention.
The short professor viciously sliced into the apple pie on his plate, inwardly fuming at Lockhart while also feeling a tinge of schadenfreude.
Actually, upon hearing Lockhart's confusion just now, he had already guessed what was going on, though he was quite surprised that Lockhart hadn't considered the possibility of students using the Masking Spell or even the Expel Curse on him.
Professor Flitwick didn't plan to expose his students, only thinking about having a good talk with Vid later — how could he casually use those spells on a professor?
If this were discovered, it wouldn't just be a simple matter of breaking curfew.
Even Lockhart couldn't...
Even... Lockhart couldn't... even...
A conversation that had not lasted five minutes caused Professor Flitwick to change his mind.
Vid was definitely doing the right thing.
As a professor, he shouldn't be outsmarted by his own students, it really wasn't acceptable.
Professor Flitwick quietly sealed his hearing, and breakfast finally became palatable.
...
Lockhart wasn't really so foolish; he merely first constructed an image of a bookworm in his mind, then used this image to understand Vid's behavior.
But after the same "forgetting" happened a dozen or even dozens of times, Lockhart naturally understood the reasoning behind it.
— this student wasn't as solitary and obedient as he had thought.
But it didn't matter…
He is the professor, and Vid Gray is just a student.
The disparity in the teacher-student status means that the other party can only secretly use small tricks to avoid drawing his attention but cannot openly refuse reasonable requests from a professor.
Look at Harry Potter!
Even a Savior has to play the role of a silly vegetarian vampire in Professor Lockhart's class, nibbling on half a lettuce!
Lockhart confidently adjusted his plans and even found himself a helper—
His pink dolphin, Victoria.
The effects of magic can be influenced by the consciousness of the caster, so the Magic Pets not only vary in appearance but also have differing abilities and personalities.
For instance, dogs are very enthusiastic, cats have strong curiosity, elephants have strong carrying capacity, and dolphins are adept at hearing.
"Vicki, you must find Vid Gray before I do and do remember to remind me then!"
Lockhart cuddled his little pet, instructing it.
"Alright."
Victoria nodded her chubby head and replied in a soft voice.
Lockhart showed a satisfied smile.
...
The recent weather had started to warm up a little, with temperatures reaching up to the teens. The snow on campus had all melted, and some eager wild grass had already broken through the hard soil, stretching their tender green bodies.
Students stayed outside the castle more and more, especially the Slytherin and Hufflepuff, who always walked in groups on the grass.
"If I don't get some sun soon, my joints are going to mold,"
Vid overheard Pansy and Daphne complaining, as the girls all stood outside the corridor, raising their faces to soak in as much sunlight as possible.
Of course, when they saw students from other houses, Slytherin wouldn't say such things.
They would always casually describe the marvelous views of the lake bottom visible from their common room, the sound of waves lapping in their sleep at night, and the occasional silhouette of the Giant Squid gliding past their windows.
Vid also saw Draco Malfoy. He was always with a few older Slytherin students, and Goyle, even when trying to squeeze up to him, would be ignored.
During break times, there were always some students sitting around on the lawn, either cheering or applauding, filled with an exciting atmosphere.
And among them would often be a piece of enlarged parchment or a tattered net adorned with small decorations.
The Weasley Twins had lately invented a series of new games—such as pet climbing competitions, pet maze races and the like.
A hand-drawn maze map on parchment was sold by them for as high as three Silver Sickles; a climbing frame for at least five Silver Sickles, and even so, they were in short supply.
The twins also secretly set up betting booths. They knew the professors would never allow it, so everything was done in secret, with even Magic Contracts being established.
When one competition ended, Fred poured a small bucket of Copper Knuts and a few Silver Sickles into his money bag, pleased with the jingle of the coins inside.
A poppet Niffler poked its head out of the money bag, picked up a Copper Knut that had accidentally fallen out, then showed a satisfied smile just like Fred.
This was Vid's Christmas gift to him, and George's was also a Niffler.
Incidentally, Ron's Magic Pet was a teacup puppy. He was extremely surprised when he saw the package, never having expected to receive a gift himself.
It was really just Vid's courteous gesture. Every SSC member as well as the Weasley Siblings who went to Grimmauld Place No. 12 in those days received a Magic Pet; Percy got a Lion, while Ginny got a little white lamb.
"Honestly, Vid. As long as you control the numbers, there really isn't any harm in it."
Fred also said, "For just one Copper Knut each time, how can it hurt anyone, even if you lose every time?"
"Really?" Vid said blandly, "I hear Ron has already lost all his pocket money?"
George showed a mysterious smile, "There's no helping it, our youngest brother's luck seems a bit poor."
Fred laughed too, "Realizing this early is to help him avoid larger losses in the future!"
Vid shook his head helplessly.
He knew these two brothers were up to mischief.
But aside from picking on their little brother, the Weasley Brothers were otherwise quite reputable, paying up even when they lost. If not, their business wouldn't have survived.
"Really, Vid, as the inventor of the Magic Pets, how is it that we've never seen your pet?"
George said, pressing down on the Niffler trying to wriggle out of his pocket.
"I have many, it's just that I keep them all hidden away." Vid said, "For now, the only one I might consider a pet is Eva..."
"Oh, Vid, you little rascal! Finally caught you!"
A warm voice came from behind, and before he could turn around, he was already grabbed hard by the arm.
Lockhart looked at him with a broad smile and said playfully:
"I heard you wanted my autograph photo? Don't be shy, take it! I can even take a photo with you! Isn't it a great surprise?"