Chapter 145: Lockhart Doesn't Learn His Lesson
Xiao Deng cut a slice of cake and gave it to Hermione.
Hermione took it with great delight and took a bite, her eyes curving into half-moons.
"It's delicious!"
"Which shop did you get it from?"
Xiao Deng's lips curled up, and while speaking, he cut a slice for himself as well.
"It's made by the Hehuan Sect shop."
Xiao Deng pinched a piece of cake and fed it into Hermione's mouth.
"How does it feel to spend your birthday like this?"
Hermione rested her legs on Xiao Deng's lap, eating her own cake while also eating the piece Xiao Deng fed her, and rolled her eyes at him.
"It's only been one minute past twelve, and you're already asking how it feels?"
"What kind of feeling can you have in one minute?"
Xiao Deng was speechless; was she talking about the birthday?
After finishing, Hermione put down her cutlery, frowned at Xiao Deng, and reached out to hit his shoulder.
"You're such a klutz, your table manners are so messy."
"Look at you, you've even got cream on your pants."
"Let me clean it up for you."
Immediately, Xiao Deng closed his eyes.
The smell of cake cream emanated from both his mouth and his pants.
The forest outside the window began to shake again.
...
Early in the morning, sunlight shone through the window onto her fair, tender buttocks.
Hermione groaned twice and finally opened her eyes.
"Awake?"
"If you're awake, eat some cake to line your stomach."
"Sneak back to the Dormitory, don't let anyone find out."
Hermione rolled her eyes at Xiao Deng and intended to get up.
But as soon as she stood up, she fell back onto the bed.
"Oh, little Hermione, did someone hit you with a Leg-Locker Curse?"
Hermione threw the pillow beside her directly at him.
"Get lost!"
"Whose fault is this?"
Xiao Deng caught the flying pillow with one hand and said with a smile:
"That's not what you said last night."
Seeing that Hermione was about to go berserk again, Xiao Deng immediately walked over.
"I'll feed you, I'll feed you, why are you getting so angry!"
"I know you're in a rush, but don't rush just yet."
Xiao Deng walked over with the cake, and Hermione floated up into the air.
Finally, she landed on Xiao Deng's lap.
"Come on, ah, open your mouth."
After Hermione was full, she was helped by Xiao Deng to get dressed, but she refused to let Xiao Deng use a healing spell on her.
After resting for so long, she finally felt a bit better.
After Hermione left, Xiao Deng looked at the messy room and shook his head.
With a wave of his hand, all the items were automatically sorted, organized, and packed up.
He cast a spell on the trash, and it automatically vanished, floating toward the Hogwarts waste disposal center.
Xiao Deng tidied his clothes and left the Eighth Floor as well.
Today he had to go to Snape's place to brew Potion.
How exhausting!
But before Xiao Deng could even reach Snape's office, he was stopped.
The person blocking Xiao Deng wore a polite smile, dressed in wrinkle-free clothes, with his hair combed meticulously.
"My dear Mr. Hehuan, may I invite you to a passionate Dueling Club?"
Xiao Deng refused expressionlessly.
"I refuse!"
"I'm afraid you'll say I don't respect a Professor."
Lockhart's expression stiffened as he asked:
"When did I ever say that?"
Xiao Deng glanced at him.
"When you crashed into the wall and couldn't get yourself unstuck."
Xiao Deng strode away, leaving Lockhart alone in the hallway, looking disheveled.
Lockhart felt some self-doubt; had he been beaten stupid back then, to have said something like that?
Lockhart firmly believed that he was very strict with himself and would not easily say such things that could ruin his reputation in front of others.
The only explanation was that he had been dazed from the beating and thought he was just thinking to himself, not realizing he had mumbled it out loud.
However, there were no relevant rumors heard in Hogwarts, so perhaps only Xiao Deng had heard it, while others hadn't.
Thinking of this, Lockhart felt much more confident; as long as no one knew, it didn't exist.
Just like Dumbledore, even if some people knew, if only a few knew, then it didn't exist.
A few years later, when everyone who knew was dead, this matter would be buried in the river of history.
And then no one would know!
Once he became that hero, who would know that he had once said inappropriate things?
Lockhart wanted to challenge Xiao Deng, but when he turned around, Xiao Deng was already gone.
By this time, Xiao Deng had already arrived at Snape's office.
Snape was silent as usual.
While assisting, Xiao Deng started a conversation.
"Professor, I met Lockhart on my way here."
"He wants to challenge me again, looking full of confidence."
"I don't know where he gets his confidence from."
Snape's movements did not pause at all.
"A clown."
Xiao Deng looked at Snape in surprise; he had assumed Snape wouldn't reply.
"If you don't accept, someone like him will keep pestering you."
Snape finished the final steps of the Potion and turned to look at Xiao Deng.
"Until you become a book written by him."
Looking into Snape's emotionless eyes, Xiao Deng suddenly understood.
Blindly refusing Lockhart might not be the best solution.
He would keep telling you how brave he was in his books, and then demand that you fight him.
Just for that duel he lost that afternoon.
Xiao Deng was speechless; how did he end up with such a thing?
Didn't Seamus also beat him? Why didn't he look for Seamus?
Isn't it just because he wants to start a Dueling Club!
Seamus is much freer than him, and easier to defeat.
In that way, wouldn't his goal be achieved?
Or just find a first-year with poor Spells.
Same effect, why must he fixate on him?
Just as Xiao Deng was complaining in his heart, there was a knock on the door of Snape's office.
"Knock, knock, knock!"
But Snape didn't turn his head, and without Snape's permission, Xiao Deng didn't want to provoke him.
What if he got unhappy and added another hundred Potions for him to make?
"Knock, knock, knock!"
The knocking sounded again.
"Xiao Deng."
Snape called Xiao Deng's name, and only then did Xiao Deng go to open the door.
Standing outside the door was none other than Lockhart.
Xiao Deng didn't speak, nor did he give him much attention.
After opening the door, he returned to his spot to continue making the Potion.
Lockhart had originally wanted to chat with Xiao Deng about the duel.
But after entering, he discovered that both of them were making Potions, and his eyes lit up.
Potions! Those were magical Potions!
Lockhart immediately tidied up his appearance and cleared his throat.
"You are both making Potions!"
"You might not know, but I can also make Potions."
"My achievements in the field of Potions are simply unrivaled."
"You can look at my books; I have made tens of thousands of Potions in my books."
"From the moment I started learning about Potions until now, I have never wasted a single ingredient."
Xiao Deng glanced at Lockhart.
Never wasted a single ingredient?
That's because he had never made any, right?
The Potions he came into contact with as a student don't count, so he just ignored them, right?
And when you brag, can you check the history and facts?
Even just ask some friends or relatives in the Wizarding World!
Or at the very least, ask your fans!
Ask, who is Snape?
Ask, who the hell is Snape?
Ask, who the hell is Snape, anyway?
Chapter 146 Sectumsempra
Who doesn't know his great name?
This is a world-renowned Potion Master in the Wizarding World.
Even someone like Dumbledore would praise this genius.
You say you want to teach him how to brew a Potion; who do you think you are?
Of course, Lockhart couldn't hear what Xiao Deng was thinking at all.
He walked forward with a smile on his face.
"Let me help you; I'll increase your efficiency tenfold!"
"Oh, no, a hundredfold!"
Snape had absolutely no intention of paying attention to Lockhart.
However, Lockhart assumed that Snape was just too shy to ask for help.
He simply assumed he could step in and help them.
Lockhart went up, grabbed a cup of unknown powder, and walked towards Snape's station.
But he had no idea what was in that cup.
The moment he touched it, the cup burned him, and the impetuous Lockhart instinctively threw the bottle of powder away.
As luck would have it, the powder sprayed out in a straight line.
It happened to land right into a row of reagent bottles Snape had lined up.
Immediately, a series of explosions occurred.
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
Not more, not less, exactly ten bottles, all exploded.
The explosion on Snape's side even affected the Potion Xiao Deng was working on.
Three bottles exploded instantly as well.
Snape, with a dark expression, turned to look at Lockhart.
Lockhart, on the contrary, tried to turn the tables.
"I was only trying to help you."
"Who knew your bottle was so hot? You didn't even say anything!"
Snape didn't answer his question but looked at Xiao Deng.
"I'll teach you a Spell, watch closely."
To Xiao Deng, it was a single sentence; what greeted Lockhart was a Spell filled with rage.
"Sectumsempra."
Lockhart's pupils constricted; this lethal pressure was even stronger than Xiao Deng's previous Spell.
Lockhart was directly blasted out of the room by Snape.
"Wingardium Leviosa."
A female voice, suppressing anger, rang out from outside Snape's office.
Professor McGonagall had received word that Professor Lockhart had gone to duel Xiao Deng again.
To prevent any accidents, Professor McGonagall decided to come and check.
She just didn't expect that as soon as she arrived, Lockhart would be blasted out, severely injured.
At this critical moment, to prevent Lockhart from hitting the ground and sustaining further injury.
Professor McGonagall acted in time, causing Lockhart to float in mid-air.
Professor McGonagall knew this was a very serious incident.
Seeing no one nearby, she immediately took Lockhart into Snape's office.
She originally thought it was Xiao Deng who hadn't been studying well and had learned Dark Arts to attack Lockhart.
She didn't expect that upon entering, she would see Snape holding his wand.
But the shards of cauldrons all over the office and the lingering smell of Potion after the explosion.
This made the words Professor McGonagall wanted to say get stuck in her throat.
Professor McGonagall knew that Snape was usually different from other Professors.
Although he was usually a bit unsociable, lacked social skills, had a foul look on his face, a strange temper, and greasy hair...
And sometimes annoyed her, he wouldn't attack others without reason.
Especially not to the point of using Dark Arts to take someone's life.
He usually had a sour face but had never been this angry.
She looked at Snape for a long time before managing to squeeze out a sentence.
"What on earth happened here?"
Seeing Professor McGonagall enter, Snape's eyes flickered, and he silently withdrew his wand.
At this moment, Xiao Deng jumped out.
"Professor McGonagall, let me tell you."
Professor McGonagall nodded at Xiao Deng; she had come here specifically for him in the first place.
"Professor McGonagall, it's like this."
"Professor Lockhart came to duel me, but my heart was with Professor Snape..."
Snape's face twitched at this, but he didn't interrupt.
"To avoid trouble, for the safety of Professor Lockhart, and to turn myself into a law-abiding Wizard..."
Professor McGonagall rubbed her temples.
"Um, Xiao Deng, can we get to the point?"
"The point of this matter!"
Xiao Deng looked stunned for a moment, then nodded.
"Okay, Professor McGonagall."
"I still had detention with Professor Snape, so I came over."
"I didn't expect Professor Lockhart to follow me here."
"When he saw us brewing a Potion, he got interested."
"He claimed to be a Potion Master himself, saying he had made millions of Potions."
"While bragging, he insisted on helping Professor Snape."
"But he had no idea what was what, and casually grabbed a Potion that was in the middle of a reaction."
"Then he got burned, dropped it in his panic, and ruined over a dozen Potions that were being brewed."
"They all exploded!"
Xiao Deng recounted what had just happened, adding his own flair, then looked up at Professor McGonagall.
Professor McGonagall glanced at Lockhart's hand; there were indeed burn marks.
Xiao Deng probably wasn't lying; it was likely that Lockhart had come over, pretending to know what he was doing and just making things worse.
She knew a thing or two about what kind of person Lockhart was.
Xiao Deng tugged on the corner of Professor McGonagall's robe, looking aggrieved.
"Professor McGonagall, you must stand up for us!"
"Look at this mess everywhere; it's all a loss!"
"These dozen or so Potions, the cheapest one costs eighteen Galleons to make."
"Look, the Potion I was being punished with got blown up, and I have to redo it."
Looking at the pitiful Xiao Deng and the disheveled Snape, she couldn't help but soften.
A former student and a current student, both had suffered because of this charlatan.
She sighed deeply and looked at Snape.
"Severus, is there a counter-curse for the Spell you just used?"
"Heal him; if you don't, it won't be good. We can't let him die at Hogwarts."
Snape didn't speak; he slowly stood up from his stool.
He walked over to Lockhart's side, without any pity, and touched his wand to Lockhart's clothes.
Lockhart's body shuddered immediately, as if in pain.
As Snape's wand moved, the blood that had sprayed out returned into Lockhart's body.
The wound on his chest slowly healed, and Lockhart's breathing gradually steadied.
This situation made Professor McGonagall breathe a sigh of relief.
Snape wasn't the type to lack a sense of proportion.
If he had used the Killing Curse directly, Lockhart wouldn't have had a chance to recover.
He had left a way out and a path to survival!
Lockhart slowly opened his eyes and saw the few people gathered around him.
When he saw Snape's face, he visibly shrank his neck.
When he saw Professor McGonagall, his eyes lit up, and he immediately stood up to straighten his clothes.
Professor McGonagall was speechless; she had already seen him in such a disheveled state, what was he still pretending for?
"Professor McGonagall, you've finally come!"
"As the Deputy Dean, you must manage things better!"
"Professor Snape attacked me without rhyme or reason."
"If I hadn't been lucky, I might be dead by now."
"If I died, what would my fans do?"
Chapter 147: Extorting Lockhart
These shameless words made the corners of Professor McGonagall's mouth twitch.
"What do you mean by 'you have great luck,' and what does that have to do with anything?"
"Do you think I don't know whether my student held back or not?"
"If he had used his full strength, would you even have the chance to spout such nonsense?"
"Professor Lockhart, could you please step out for a moment?"
"I have something to say to them."
Seeing that Professor McGonagall didn't immediately support his idea, Lockhart's expression stiffened.
However, seeing Snape's grim expression, he obediently went out.
Professor McGonagall's expression softened slightly.
"Severus, I will make Lockhart compensate you for your losses."
"Can you do that?"
Snape glanced at Professor McGonagall but said nothing.
Professor McGonagall had offered an out; although Snape didn't speak, she knew his temper.
This meant he agreed!
This also made Professor McGonagall heave a sigh of relief, then she looked at Xiao Deng, who was sitting nearby.
"The Potion that exploded just now will count as completed; I'll deduct it from your punishment."
Professor McGonagall reached out and brushed the cauldron fragments off Xiao Deng's shoulders.
"But as for the matter of the duel with Lockhart, you decide for yourself."
"No one will force you to make a choice."
"However!" Professor McGonagall emphasized her tone.
"What you used just now belongs to the Dark Arts; you cannot learn it!"
Xiao Deng stood up and bowed to Professor McGonagall.
"I will leave it all to you, Professor!"
Professor McGonagall opened the door and let Lockhart in.
"Professor Lockhart!"
"I have already disciplined them for their impulsive behavior."
"They won't do it again."
"However!"
"You must make compensation for your recklessness and rudeness."
"You must compensate for the destroyed Potion and the corresponding equipment."
"After discussing it with them, you only need to pay 25,000 Galleons in compensation."
Before Professor McGonagall could finish, a scream interrupted her.
"What?"
"25,000 Galleons? Why don't you just rob me?"
"Do you have any idea that I was lying on the ground being charged by the second?"
"I am the victim here!"
Xiao Deng laughed.
"If Mr. Lockhart has such an ability, I wouldn't mind taking a trip to Gringotts with him."
Lockhart's expression froze, and he looked at Xiao Deng in disbelief.
Professor McGonagall rolled her eyes at Xiao Deng—this brat was stirring up trouble again!
"25,000 Galleons shouldn't be much to you, right?"
"With the value of your twelve books, you already possess over 200,000 Galleons."
Speaking of his books, Lockhart was naturally smug.
"My books are very popular, but that doesn't mean you can charge me over 20,000 Galleons for a few broken bottles!"
"My money didn't just blow in on the wind."
Professor McGonagall also seemed a bit speechless; how could this man start acting like a rascal?
"Besides, I wasn't unconscious just now."
"Xiao Deng just said that the cost of one bottle of Potion is only 18 Galleons."
At this moment, Xiao Deng immediately jumped in.
"You misheard."
"I said the minimum was 18 Galleons."
"And we are only asking for 25,000 Galleons out of respect for you as a fellow Hogwarts Professor."
"If this is the Professor's attitude, then it's 100,000 Galleons, non-negotiable."
When he said this, not only Professor McGonagall but even Snape glanced at Xiao Deng.
Good heavens, you really dare to ask for that much!
But why does this feel so satisfying?
Sure enough, stirring up trouble is fun as long as it's not directed at oneself.
Lockhart couldn't hold it in anymore.
"What?"
"Even robbing Gringotts wouldn't be this fast!"
Professor McGonagall had originally intended to mediate between the two parties.
But seeing Lockhart's attitude, he clearly didn't realize his own problem.
Xiao Deng wanted to mess with him, and Professor McGonagall didn't stop him.
"You interrupted us while we were making Potions, and you have the nerve to complain?"
"Do you know who is standing in front of you?"
"This is a famous Potion Master in the Wizarding World!"
"Countless people line up just to get him to make something!"
"You talk about being charged by the second? Professor Snape's time is actually worth being charged by the second!"
"Do you think a Master's time is worthless?"
"Why don't you ask Headmaster Dumbledore if his time is valuable?"
"Is labor not valuable?"
"This is a Hogwarts Professor, and you say it's worthless?"
"We charge extra for labor when making Potions for others!"
"Go out and ask around, which Professor are you questioning? Let him come here!"
"Also, the cost is 18 Galleons; you don't actually think it sells for 18 Galleons, do you?"
"There are many recipes on the market; do you think a Potion Master is like cabbage, something you can just grab anyone to do?"
"Since you don't appreciate our goodwill, then pay the original price."
"100,000 Galleons, not a penny less!"
At this point, Lockhart couldn't keep up his gentlemanly act anymore.
"This is robbery!"
"My money is in my own account; if you have the ability, go rob Gringotts!"
"I won't pay you a penny."
"250 Galleons at most!"
Xiao Deng smiled, revealing a slightly meaningful grin.
"Then let's choose between you getting beaten up or a lawsuit."
"We'll report it directly to the Ministry of Magic and let the Ministry of Magic judge it."
"Is this what you want to see?"
Mentioning the Ministry of Magic, a trace of joy appeared on Lockhart's face.
Using the Ministry of Magic to threaten him—it seemed Xiao Deng was truly out of options.
But he never would have guessed that he knew a few people at the Ministry of Magic!
If it really came to a lawsuit, would he be afraid of losing to a little Wizard?
Thinking of this, a sense of arrogance couldn't help but appear in Lockhart's expression.
"If you want to fight..."
"Professor Lockhart!"
Lockhart was cut off halfway through his sentence by Professor McGonagall.
Professor McGonagall really wanted to scold him; what was wrong with this Lockhart?
He couldn't even read the situation; what kind of thing had Albus hired?
"Are you sure you want the Ministry of Magic to intervene?"
"Think about it carefully again?"
"A Potion Master and a writer."
"How much chance of winning do you think you have?"
Xiao Deng glanced at Professor McGonagall; it seemed the Professor had realized the trap he had dug.
The value of a Potion Master was not just for show.
The favor gained by supporting Snape was too important.
Who doesn't have moments where they might need a favor?
But a writer, a fraud, a smile that had been on a magazine cover—what could that bring?
The substantive benefits were almost negligible.
There might be idiots who could get into the Ministry of Magic, but basically, no one there couldn't calculate interests.
After Professor McGonagall's reminder, Lockhart finally managed to realize this point.
His expression couldn't help but turn ugly.
If others didn't know his situation, how could he not know it himself?
If his real skills were brought to the table, he would undoubtedly lose.
If his money was gone, he could write books to earn it back; if his reputation was gone, no one would pay for his work anymore.
At this moment, his expression toward Snape and Xiao Deng gradually became friendly.
Even a bit fawning!
"Uhm, could this be a little cheaper?"
Chapter 148: Knocking Out Lockhart with One Punch
Xiao Deng crossed his arms over his chest.
"You missed the chance when it was cheap. You won't find another deal like this."
Lockhart turned his head, feeling a bit awkward, and looked at Professor McGonagall, who was standing to the side without saying a word.
"Don't look at me; I already tried to mediate between you two just now."
"It was you who refused!"
"Professor Lockhart, you are an adult, an adult capable of taking responsibility for your own words and actions, not a young Wizard!"
Lockhart straightened up and adjusted his clothes.
"My money is at Gringotts. Allow me to go withdraw some. Could you give me some time?"
For such a reasonable request, Professor McGonagall wasn't going to be too strict.
"Fine!"
"I can agree to that on their behalf."
"Professor Lockhart, I must remind you: your primary job is being a Professor!"
After saying this, she intended to leave Snape's office, but was called back by Lockhart.
"Professor McGonagall, please stay!"
"There is one more matter."
Professor McGonagall glanced at Xiao Deng, roughly able to guess what Lockhart wanted.
"I would like to invite Xiao Deng to a passionate duel!"
"I would like to ask Professor McGonagall to bear witness."
"If I cannot defeat Xiao Deng, I will not establish the Dueling Club."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Deng couldn't help but rub his temples.
"So don't establish it! Is this some kind of earth-shattering event?"
"What? If you don't establish the Dueling Club, will You-Know-Who take over the Wizarding World?"
"Xiao Deng!"
Professor McGonagall's rebuke followed immediately. Although Xiao Deng liked to talk back, he still gave face to Professor McGonagall.
It was just that Lockhart's expression was becoming hard to maintain.
"Is this how you show respect when asked to respect a Professor?"
Professor McGonagall changed the subject, her tone softening.
"However, regarding the duel, it depends on your own personal willingness."
"After all, even if Albus wore floral socks, he would still respect a young Wizard's personal choice."
Xiao Deng looked at Professor McGonagall, who lowered her eyelids at the right moment.
Hehe, Professor McGonagall, you are truly Gryffindor!
Professor McGonagall's meaning was clear: it was acceptable to teach Lockhart a lesson.
Otherwise, being chased for a duel every single day was not sustainable.
No one had the time every day to supervise Lockhart's injuries.
Xiao Deng looked at Lockhart, who was watching him with expectant eyes.
"Fine!"
"I accept your challenge."
"However..."
"The challenge fee is 30,000 Galleons."
Lockhart widened his eyes and stared at Xiao Deng.
"What kind of logic is that?"
"You charge for a challenge?"
"If you don't accept, people will ridicule you and call you a coward!"
Xiao Deng also adjusted his clothes.
"So I'm a coward, so what? Is it really embarrassing for a young Wizard to lose to a Professor?"
"Besides, Professor Lockhart, you are wrong about that."
"Just because you challenge me, does it mean I must accept?"
"The first two times I fought you for free, you should be happy about that."
"If you keep coming to challenge me every few days, how am I supposed to attend classes?"
"I have my own life, too. A person as proper as a Professor should be able to realize that you are disturbing others' lives, right?"
"I have never seen a Professor do anything so impolite."
Professor McGonagall couldn't help but mentally give Xiao Deng a thumbs up.
This would limit Lockhart's challenges.
Lockhart gritted his teeth!
"Fine, 30,000 it is!"
"I will give it to you along with the previous money!"
"Now can we go to the dueling stage?"
Xiao Deng waved his hand, signaling Lockhart not to be in such a rush.
Xiao Deng walked to Snape's desk, looked around, and took out two pieces of the highest quality parchment.
This behavior made Snape's eyelids twitch.
Xiao Deng's wand immediately tapped onto the two pieces of parchment.
"Sign these two agreements, and we can begin."
This action made even Professor McGonagall feel a bit nervous, her palms sweating slightly.
She had a feeling: precocious!
This step-by-step approach really did have a shadow of Dumbledore.
Lockhart had originally intended to agree verbally and drag it out as long as possible.
He hadn't expected Xiao Deng to pull out a magical agreement.
Once he signed this thing, it would be legally binding.
If Xiao Deng were tough enough, he could even get the money from the Goblins without Lockhart's consent.
After all, with his magical signature, it was effectively an authorized agreement.
But if he didn't sign this agreement, he couldn't duel Xiao Deng.
He might even face a lawsuit from Snape, which was something he didn't want to see.
Thinking of this, Lockhart really wanted to slap his thigh—how did he manage to mess up such a good hand?
Why did he have to challenge Xiao Deng to a duel? Was his brain broken?
For the sake of his reputation and the duel, Lockhart signed the two agreements.
In his mind, there was still a sliver of hope, hoping he could defeat Xiao Deng.
At the same time, there seemed to be a voice constantly telling him to sign, as there would be many ways to make money from the club after signing!
Xiao Deng and Lockhart arrived at the dueling stage together.
This time there was no announcement, no hype, and there were no people around the dueling stage.
Seeing Lockhart's expression, Xiao Deng spoke up.
"If I lose, I will personally write a notice to announce to everyone that I lost to you!"
Hearing this, Lockhart smiled with satisfaction.
At this moment, Lockhart was already planning his attack route.
Yes, attack!
Defense—for some reason, he had absolutely no thoughts of self-protection in his mind anymore.
The two stood on the dueling stage, turned, and whipped their wands.
Below the stage stood Professor McGonagall and Snape.
Snape frowned and whispered:
"Lockhart's style..."
"...is a bit different from before."
Professor McGonagall also frowned without saying a word.
She wasn't someone to be trifled with when she was young; she had enough discernment for that.
Not to mention Lockhart's eyes and temperament, even the angle, method, and force of his wand-whipping had changed slightly.
On the stage.
"Reducto!"
Lockhart launched the attack first.
The attack was fast, accurate, and fierce; both people below the stage were somewhat surprised.
But what followed was anger!
Xiao Deng was just a young Wizard; was it necessary to use a spell like Reducto?
Professor McGonagall was about to intervene, but was held back by Snape.
"Watch!"
Snape only had a partial understanding of Xiao Deng, but noticing that there was no panic on Xiao Deng's face, he held Professor McGonagall back.
Xiao Deng never fought a battle he wasn't sure of winning. As soon as he stepped onto the stage, his spiritual sense had already covered the entire Great Hall.
Every move Lockhart made could not escape his surveillance.
The moment Lockhart raised his hand, Xiao Deng had already moved.
"Protego!"
Seeing the armor on Xiao Deng, Professor McGonagall relaxed a little.
But Lockhart was ecstatic.
He had tested it; the intensity of Reducto was very high.
The intensity a young Wizard could cast it with would simply not be enough to resist.
But the next second, Lockhart stood there stunned, his mouth wide open.
Chapter 149: Make Another Hundred Bottles of Potion
The spell merely struck sparks against Xiao Deng. It didn't even break his defense!
"Impossible!"
"Absolutely impossible!"
"What kind of dark magic did you use?"
Xiao Deng stood opposite Lockhart, looking calm and indifferent.
"Professor Lockhart, do you have any other tricks?"
Refusing to believe it, Lockhart raised his wand again.
"Reducto."
"Reducto."
"Reducto."
...
Lockhart fired over a dozen Reducto Spells in succession, but not a single one could break Xiao Deng's Protego.
Lockhart felt a wave of despair. What kind of freak was this?
He had clearly learned profound ancient magic; why was it useless?
"Professor Lockhart, then it's my turn to counterattack, okay?"
Lockhart was startled and raised his hand to cast a shield on himself.
But Xiao Deng's attack didn't come. Instead, Xiao Deng walked slowly toward Lockhart.
With every step, the psychological pressure on Lockhart increased, frightening him into attacking again.
"Reducto."
Xiao Deng reached Lockhart.
He threw a punch into Lockhart's abdomen.
The Protego on Lockhart shattered instantly, and Lockhart's mouth hung wide open, his eyes bulging.
He immediately fainted!
The two people off the stage were also somewhat shocked.
They finally remembered that Xiao Deng was the one who had single-handedly fought his way through the Forbidden Forest.
They should have realized that his physical strength and martial arts were also top-tier.
Xiao Deng slowly walked off the dueling stage.
"Professor McGonagall, please have someone take Professor Lockhart back to his quarters."
Professor McGonagall nodded mechanically, watching Xiao Deng leave the Great Hall.
"Severus, I never thought their duel would end this way."
Snape looked at the unconscious Lockhart on the ground without any emotion.
"Me neither."
Over a hundred thousand Galleons just for this result?
Even someone who rarely smiled like him found it somewhat amusing; he flicked his robes and turned to leave the Great Hall.
Professor McGonagall waved her wand, and Lockhart's body floated into the air, following Professor McGonagall to receive treatment.
By the time Snape returned to his office, Xiao Deng was already inside, brewing Potion.
The inside of the office had already been cleaned up by Xiao Deng.
Snape didn't say a word; he took out new tools and began brewing Potion.
Xiao Deng increased his speed, staying in Snape's office for three consecutive days, and finally finished all three hundred bottles of Potion.
"Professor, three hundred bottles, not one less, all complete."
"Though a few need time to react."
Snape glanced at the excited Xiao Deng.
"You're short a hundred bottles."
Xiao Deng looked at Snape in disbelief.
"Professor, you can't just lie with your eyes open because you're a bat!"
"Where are three hundred bottles missing?"
Snape's mouth twitched, but he still offered a fake smile.
"It should be... four hundred bottles."
"The extra hundred are a reward from Professor McGonagall."
Xiao Deng was full of question marks, and his face immediately fell.
Seeing Xiao Deng like this made Snape feel incredibly satisfied.
The punishment he gave might have made him hold his breath, but the punishment from his own Dean was truly soul-crushing.
Xiao Deng seemed to turn into a black-and-white sunflower, no longer able to produce light.
He slowly returned to his spot and continued making Potion.
Snape showed no expression on his face, but his efficiency in brewing Potion increased significantly.
Because he was in a great mood!
The hundred bottles of Potion delayed Xiao Deng for another two days.
The next day, Xiao Deng left Hogwarts quietly.
Griphook was still smiling as he welcomed Xiao Deng.
"Mr. Hehuan, this is the transfer contract for the factory."
"Including the land and all the House-elf, everything is included."
Xiao Deng looked at the magic contract and nodded silently.
"Didn't you want to choose some shop assistants earlier?"
"After this factory was acquired, the news spread."
"Some former employees came to apply."
"I think you can choose some from among them."
Xiao Deng slowly put down the magic contract in his hand.
"These people have records, right?"
Griphook nodded, snapped his fingers, and a file containing the information of all the previous employees appeared in his hand.
Xiao Deng waved his hand.
"You should have been in contact with everyone here; help me choose three people."
"Once you've chosen them, bring them to see me directly."
"If they are suitable, we can sign the contract on the spot."
"I won't short you a single penny on your commission."
Griphook's eyes lit up, and he hurried off on his short legs to notify them.
Meanwhile, at Hogwarts.
Lockhart finally woke up in his room.
Xiao Deng's punch hadn't been very heavy, just adding a tiny bit of spiritual consciousness vibration.
Lockhart shook his slightly muddled head, not knowing what had happened.
He sat on the edge of the bed for a long time before barely recalling the previous events.
"Wasn't I dueling Xiao Deng?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the scene of Xiao Deng walking toward him with overwhelming momentum surfaced in Lockhart's mind.
That punch had shattered all of Lockhart's defenses.
It had also destroyed all of Lockhart's fighting spirit.
He suddenly felt as if he were useless, unable to even beat a young Wizard.
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, and he started hitting and smashing things in the room.
After venting, he sat powerlessly on the stool.
"What am I going to do!"
The black notebook flashed through Lockhart's mind.
"It must not have taught me powerful Spells!"
"I need to make it teach me more powerful Spells to deal with Xiao Deng."
Thinking of this, hope reignited in Lockhart's heart.
He didn't know why he had such high expectations for a notebook.
But it didn't matter; as long as it could help him get revenge and establish the club, that would be fine.
However, when Lockhart looked up, his eyelids twitched.
Did he do this?
That's impossible, right?
He absolutely could not have done such a thing!
He trusted his own judgment!
The room was littered with letters, all sent by fans.
Lockhart would reply to every single letter; even if a long time had passed, Lockhart would definitely send that reply out.
This led to replies to replies, and then more replies.
He had long accumulated a huge pile of letters, using them to show off his fan mail to others.
Now, these treasures he cherished were scattered all over the floor by his own hand.
Lockhart belatedly realized that he had actually lost his temper just now.
Lockhart stared blankly at the letters all over the floor, his eyes shifting from confusion and helplessness to solemnity.
He had practiced his smile from the very beginning, maintaining restraint.
These things were already deeply buried in his bones; even when alone, he would never have an outburst.
He had lived like this for so many years, not a single day was an exception.
But today, it was broken!
Lockhart's eyes turned toward the black diary with a hint of vigilance and suspicion.
Chapter 150: Lockhart Discovers Anomalies
He couldn't show his cards just yet; he hadn't fully uncovered the secrets of this notebook.
If there was a problem, he would be the one to suffer.
Lockhart picked up his wand and gave it a gentle wave.
The messy room began to tidy itself up.
Lockhart might not really know other Spells, but he definitely knew this common one, Reparo.
He was too busy, so he had specifically studied a Spell that could instantly tidy up a room.
Otherwise, the sheer volume of fan mail would likely have given him a massive headache.
Lockhart sat down at the desk, forcing himself to be patient.
He opened the black notebook.
He scribbled away.
Tom: "When the hell can you get rid of that habit?"
[I lost the duel. Are there any more powerful Spells?]
A line of text automatically appeared on the black notebook.
[Of course, I have recorded many Spells here.]
[Whatever you want to learn, I can teach you.]
Lockhart's pupils constricted; he was having second thoughts.
Although defeating Xiao Deng had almost become an obsession in his heart.
But deep down, he was still that cowardly, responsibility-evading hypocrite.
Lockhart's eyes flashed, and he continued scribbling in the notebook.
Tom:...
This time, Lockhart was in no hurry to enter the notebook to learn.
[As a notebook, do you have a name?]
[How rude of me; you've helped me so much, yet I don't even know what you're called?]
Tom: "Rude or not, stop scribbling for a second."
[My name is Tom Riddle.]
[Just call me Tom.]
The words that appeared on the notebook made Lockhart chuckle.
[I didn't expect a notebook to have a name.]
[Actually, I was just being polite; the result was unexpected.]
[What do you plan to teach me this time?]
A line of text appeared on the notebook.
[Stupefy: Stupefy]
This time, the black diary didn't ask for Lockhart's opinion; it emitted a glow and pulled him straight into the book.
It must be said, Tom was thoroughly disgusted with Lockhart, this academic underachiever.
In his view, it was unbelievable that Lockhart needed so long to practice such a simple Spell.
However, the results gave Tom a glimmer of satisfaction.
Because the efficiency of his invasion and control had also increased significantly.
When it came down to it, Lockhart was an adult; no matter how lousy he was, he couldn't be compared to a young Wizard.
Compared to Ginny, Lockhart could only be worn down slowly.
It would just take a bit more time, and time was the one thing he didn't lack right now.
A few more times, and Lockhart would be completely under his control.
Lockhart practiced with the notebook for a day and finally mastered the Spell.
A flash of light passed, and Lockhart found himself sitting on his chair.
Other Wizards might not have felt anything, but Lockhart had sensed something wrong beforehand.
So, when he came out, he specifically paid attention to his own state.
Sure enough, after coming out this time, his mind was dazed for a brief moment.
It wasn't this obvious last time!
In other words, this notebook was actively affecting his mind and memories.
Thinking back now, the most prominent impression in his mind was that the heir of the Chamber of Secrets was Hagrid.
Other information had already begun to fade. As an expert in this field, he knew clearly that this was absolutely not normal.
Normal memory fading wouldn't be this fast, and the impression of Hagrid shouldn't be this clear and deep.
Having suffered many times, Lockhart had learned to be clever this time; he didn't question it directly, but instead continued scribbling in the notebook.
[Your name is Tom Riddle.]
[Yes, sir.]
[Why do I have the impression that in the scene you first showed me, that young man also seemed to be called Tom?]
The diary fell silent; no text appeared immediately.
[Is this notebook broken? Why aren't you saying anything?]
Tom was pondering what Lockhart's true purpose was.
After seeing Lockhart's message, Tom shook his head.
He had overestimated him! How could such an idiot possibly guess his plan?
Even if he were standing right in front of him, he probably wouldn't be able to guess his identity.
[You guessed correctly; I am Tom Riddle.]
[Tom is that young man you saw.]
Lockhart was shocked; indeed, there was a connection.
The source of the problems with his mind and memories was this diary.
If he was doing this on purpose—affecting his mind, suppressing his memories—once the influence deepened, could altering them be far behind?
By then, he might become a puppet for this notebook.
If that really happened, what would happen to his fans?
What about his books?
What about his money?
What about the reputation he had worked so hard to build?
Indeed, Dark Arts objects were not so easy to hoard.
[Do you have any other questions?]
[If not, you can go to your duel.]
In such a rush to get rid of him; he must be terrified that he'd figure it out.
[Alright, I'll go back and challenge him.]
[Wish me luck!]
Lockhart put down the quill and naturally picked up his wand.
No more text appeared on the notebook; it seemed it really believed he was going to the duel.
Lockhart stood up slowly, then turned around, pretending to head out for the duel.
The moment he stood up, Lockhart's wand lit up.
"Obliviate: Obliviate."
"Obliviate: Obliviate."
"Obliviate: Obliviate."
...
Lockhart cast Obliviate on the black diary over a dozen times in a row.
Tom, living inside the book, hadn't reacted at all before being overwhelmed by a barrage of Spells.
If it were any other Dark Arts object, Obliviate wouldn't have been of much use.
But this black notebook had a mind of its own, so that was hard to say.
Lockhart didn't know if this would actually work, but he kept casting the Spell regardless.
When he reached the twenty-ninth time, Lockhart finally stopped.
Lockhart looked at the notebook again, his eyes widening.
The black notebook had turned into a white one.
Could it be because he used Obliviate?
Lockhart couldn't be sure; he had very little contact with Dark Arts objects.
After all, the Ministry of Magic had been cracking down on Dark Arts objects recently.
Lockhart carefully opened the notebook and picked up the quill beside him.
[Who are you?]
A line of text appeared on the notebook.
[I don't know. Do you?]
[I don't seem to remember anything; I have no idea why I am here.]
Seeing this, the corners of Lockhart's mouth curled up, and finally, he laughed out loud.
He snatched up the white notebook from the table and immediately left the office.
The notebook was snapped shut instantly, and Lockhart didn't answer its question.
He arrived at the place where he had previously found the notebook.
Seeing no one around, he casually dropped the white notebook.
Then he hurried away.
After finishing his business in Diagon Alley, Xiao Deng returned directly.
Unfortunately, he sensed Lockhart's furtive behavior from afar.
Watching from the shadows until Lockhart left, Xiao Deng appeared at the spot where he had just been standing.
And lying on the ground was a white diary.
Chapter 151: The Name Is Now Goudan
Xiao Deng picked up the white notebook from the ground and frowned.
His spiritual sense instantly enveloped the entire notebook.
Sure enough, the aura on it, if not completely identical, was exactly the same as Quirrell's.
However, didn't Ginny say the notebook was black?
What the hell is this white color? Can it change colors on its own?
But logically speaking, a fool like Lockhart shouldn't have discovered it.
Did he discover something?
Xiao Deng touched the cover of the notebook.
Not much time had passed since Lockhart cast his spell; there was still some residual magic on it.
The corners of Xiao Deng's mouth curled up slightly.
He really is a master of Obliviate!
Ginny hadn't lost it that long ago, and if he hadn't discovered it, Ginny would never have found it.
But because of Lockhart's excellent achievements in memory, he keenly discovered the problem with this notebook.
Just how many Obliviate Spells did he cast for the notebook to turn white?
With a flick of his hand, a quill appeared in Xiao Deng's hand.
"Hello, are you having fun lately?"
A line of text slowly appeared on the notebook.
"Hello."
"You seem very familiar with me."
"Who are you, and who am I?"
Sure enough, Lockhart is truly a talent!
Looking at the notebook in his hand, Xiao Deng curled his lips.
"Child, don't you recognize me anymore?"
"I am your father!"
The notebook fell silent, and three question marks appeared on it.
"???"
"You are my father?"
"Then what is your name, and what is mine?"
Xiao Deng didn't have the habit of gesturing like Lockhart, so he wrote directly on the notebook.
"Child, it seems you have lost your memory. Let me tell you."
"My name is Xiao Deng Hehuan Sect."
"Your name is Goudan Li Hehuan Sect."
"My poor child, Father will treat you well."
Immediately, no words appeared on the notebook, and Xiao Deng, not in a rush, waited silently.
After a minute, a line of text appeared on the notebook.
"Father, Father!"
"I found Father!"
"Sob sob!"
"That person just now was definitely not a good person. He actually abandoned me."
After offering a few words of comfort, Xiao Deng didn't continue with Tom...
Oh, no, it's called Goudan now!
He didn't bicker with Goudan anymore.
Xiao Deng looked up and found the scene somewhat familiar.
He didn't know what was going on with Lockhart; perhaps he was panicking and lost his way, actually dropping it here.
Isn't this the second-floor lavatory!
"Little Myrtle?"
"Are you there?"
There was no ghost responding to him in the lavatory.
"Looks like she must have gone to the Black Lake to play."
Xiao Deng left the lavatory with the notebook.
After Xiao Deng left, Myrtle emerged from the faucet, her whole body trembling, her eyes filled with fear.
After coming out of the lavatory, Xiao Deng looked at the notebook with a trace of doubt.
He could feel a soul inside this notebook, which was also a remnant soul.
What exactly does Lord Voldemort want to do?
Why insist on turning himself into a remnant soul? Wouldn't that make him incomplete?
Moreover, by sealing a soul inside an object, wouldn't it become an artifact spirit?
Although he didn't know if the Wizarding World had the concept of artifact spirits, this was definitely not normal.
In the cultivation world, if anyone said they voluntarily became an artifact spirit, they would be mocked by so many people.
Isn't this just self-debasement!
And an artifact spirit existing in the form of a remnant soul is even less well-received.
Anyone with higher standards would curse him as trash.
Xiao Deng expressed that he didn't understand, and he himself would never do such a thing.
What a lunatic!
However, does this notebook still need to be reported to Dumbledore?
If he said so, he might not be able to keep his good son.
If he didn't say anything, the precautions he had set for the whole school would continue to exist.
After thinking for a long time, Xiao Deng felt it was better to say something.
Let the brain-burning matters be left to Dumbledore.
As for his good son, he would try his best to fight for him.
Xiao Deng did not hesitate and went straight to Dumbledore's office.
What a coincidence, Snape is always there whenever he comes.
Dumbledore looked at Xiao Deng in surprise.
"Xiao Deng, is there anything you need?"
Answering Dumbledore was a Spell.
Xiao Deng once again shielded the entire office.
Having collaborated before, the two did not hesitate and each cast another magic.
After finishing, the two looked at Xiao Deng.
Xiao Deng didn't speak; he took a diary out of his pocket and placed it on the table.
He casually cast a shielding magic on the notebook as well, as he wasn't sure if this notebook could hear outside sounds.
Dumbledore and Snape looked at each other, both seeing the shock in the other's eyes.
Xiao Deng had mentioned a notebook before.
But the two also followed Xiao Deng's example and cast magic on it.
Dumbledore looked at the notebook for a long while before asking:
"I remember you saying last time that it was a black notebook."
"This white..."
Xiao Deng smiled.
"There's quite a lot going on in here."
Neither of them spoke, and Dumbledore gestured for Xiao Deng to continue.
"Remember Lockhart often challenging me to a duel?"
"It was because he was bewitched by it."
Xiao Deng tapped the white notebook with his finger.
"The soul inside this notebook was teaching Lockhart some offensive Spells."
"If no one stopped it, it might have escalated to the level of Dark Arts."
"As it happens, our Professor Lockhart is useless in other areas."
"But his research in memory and consciousness is far superior to others."
"He must have sensed the problem with this notebook."
"He directly made it eat an Obliviate Spell."
"I happened to be coming back from Diagon Alley and saw him sneakily throwing this notebook away."
"When I picked it up, there was still strong residual magic on it."
Xiao Deng pointed to the notebook, and both of them looked over.
Dumbledore's mouth twitched.
"Just how many Obliviate Spells must have been cast; the residual magic on it is very strong."
Xiao Deng shook his head.
"I don't know about that, unless we go find Lockhart and ask him clearly."
"But he probably won't admit to this kind of Dark Arts object."
"But I imagine it wouldn't be a small amount; even the notebook itself has forgotten its original color."
Dumbledore opened the notebook and picked up the quill nearby.
"Hello."
Dumbledore's writing gradually disappeared, and new text was appearing.
"Hello."
"Who are you? Where is my father?"
Seeing the words on the notebook, Xiao Deng thought to himself, "As expected."
It has perception of the outside world and knows that the person writing has changed.
Previously, it could sense that Lockhart had left and that the person writing had changed.
The three of them had sealed its perception, so it couldn't feel that he was standing right next to it.
Xiao Deng looked up and saw Dumbledore looking at him with a puzzled expression.
Thinking of what the notebook said, Xiao Deng awkwardly rubbed his nose.
"About that..."
"When I got this notebook, I chatted with it for a bit."
"It asked me who I was and what my name was."
"Um, I just said I was its father."
"Oh, right, its name is Goudan now!"
Chapter 152: Opening the Faucet
Dumbledore and Snape both looked at Xiao Deng with strange expressions.
In the end, it was Dumbledore who broke the awkward silence.
"That's a nice name, but don't name anything again next time."
After he finished speaking, the office fell into silence.
A Tom Riddle who had lost his memory, a Lord Voldemort who had forgotten his original intentions, and a Dark Lord who recognized a young Wizard as his father.
No matter how you looked at it, it seemed to have no utility value anymore.
The only value was probably to let Harry destroy it together.
No one could guarantee whether Tom Riddle, having lost all his memories, had also lost his nature and ambition.
"You keep it for now."
"This might be of some use to Harry later."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Deng's little face drooped, and he clung to the desk, wailing.
"Oh, my dear son!"
"Why is your life so miserable!"
"It's all Daddy's fault for not being able to protect you!"
Dumbledore's face darkened. What the hell did Lord Voldemort have to do with him?
They were completely unrelated; were you using this to extort him?
However, seeing Xiao Deng wailing even louder, Dumbledore waved his hand.
"Fine, fine, fine. Just tell me what you want."
Xiao Deng immediately stopped his noise.
"Hehe."
"I want permission to enter and leave Hogwarts anytime, anywhere."
Snape was a bit confused. If this brat wanted to leave, who could keep an eye on him every day?
Dumbledore was amused by Xiao Deng.
"You just want the permission for Apparition, don't you!"
"Beating around the bush!"
Xiao Deng was thick-skinned and gave a chuckle.
He could indeed leave at any time, but it wasn't as comfortable as walking out openly.
Every time he left Hogwarts, he had to be careful not to get caught.
With this permission, he wouldn't be afraid of being put in detention if he walked out right in front of Professor McGonagall.
"In the history of Hogwarts, this has always been the sole privilege of the Principal."
"It has never been granted to anyone else."
"However, in view of your meritorious service in capturing the Dark Lord multiple times, this right is specially approved."
"However, I must remind you."
"You can go out and play, but you must follow the rules."
"You must return when you are supposed to."
Xiao Deng picked up the notebook and said:
"I know that, I won't cause you any trouble."
After Xiao Deng left the office, Snape looked at Dumbledore.
"I don't understand."
"This Dark Arts object."
Dumbledore was silent for a moment, deciding to tell Snape some things.
"I originally thought I would never see this kind of Dark Arts object in my life."
"I didn't expect to see it after all."
"Severus, do you know about Horcruxes?"
Snape had studied the Dark Arts deeply, but this term was still somewhat unfamiliar to him.
"What is that?"
Dumbledore took out a lemon sherbet and popped it into his mouth.
"A piece of Dark Arts."
"Have you ever wondered why Lord Voldemort didn't die? And how he could make a comeback?"
"It's because of Horcruxes!"
"This is an extremely cruel Dark Arts object."
"And creating it requires killing."
"There is a saying that if you kill someone, your soul will crack."
"Of course, this crack will heal itself over time."
"And this Dark Arts magic uses slaughter to split one's own soul."
"Following that crack, the soul is separated."
"Then the separated soul is sealed into an object."
"That object then becomes a Horcrux."
"And he can use this Horcrux to return."
"At the same time, achieving the goal of immortality."
"And we don't know how many Horcruxes he has made."
"Blindly destroying them, there is no way to judge whether it will alert the enemy."
Snape listened to Dumbledore recount these magical secrets with an expressionless face.
"Do you need me to keep an eye on them?"
Dumbledore shook his head.
"First of all, this Tom Riddle notebook Horcrux has already lost its memory."
"In the short term, it shouldn't pose any danger."
"Secondly, can't you trust Xiao Deng? He often plays over at your place."
"His strength should not be weaker than ours."
"With him around, there shouldn't be any major problems."
"Finally, I am going to secretly collect Tom Riddle's Horcruxes."
"I didn't know before, but now that I do, I must do something."
"I know what you are going to say, but you must not do anything."
"Perhaps one day the Dark Lord will contact you."
"Horcruxes are his lifeline; I'd better send someone else to do such things that are easy to expose."
"You can just wait quietly for news."
"Do you have any other questions?"
Snape thought for a moment and shook his head. For now, it was a matter of waiting and seeing; he didn't have any other questions.
Immediately after, Snape flicked his black robes and left Dumbledore's office.
As night fell, Xiao Deng chose to sleep in his Dormitory this time.
He hadn't had a peaceful dream cultivation session for a long time.
He had to have a good session today!
Xiao Deng did not remove the magic on the notebook; it was better to be cautious.
However, everyone underestimated the bewitching effect of the Dark Lord.
Just as the whole school had fallen into a deep sleep, a figure appeared in the corridor.
Gilderoy Lockhart's eyes were sometimes dazed, sometimes clear.
But the dazed moments were more frequent than the clear ones; at this time, he was like a sleepwalker.
He walked and stopped until he arrived at the second-floor bathroom.
He felt for a faucet with a snake pattern and opened his mouth to speak in Parseltongue.
The entire faucet changed its form.
Gilderoy Lockhart walked in, dazed.
Gilderoy Lockhart was sometimes clear and sometimes dazed; the bewitching effect Tom Riddle had on him was fading.
When he saw the statues filling the space, Gilderoy Lockhart happened to be clear-headed.
He was instantly so scared that he sat down on the ground.
His mind instantly cleared, and under extreme stimulation, he unexpectedly temporarily escaped the state of being bewitched and controlled.
After calming down a little, he turned and ran.
Although nothing appeared to harm Gilderoy Lockhart, he dared not gamble.
No matter when, he was always that cowardly Gilderoy Lockhart.
How could no one have discovered such a huge underground Chamber of Secrets?
He was terrified that he wouldn't be able to return to the surface.
After Gilderoy Lockhart came out, the bathroom returned to its original appearance.
Gilderoy Lockhart stumbled back to his living quarters.
He sat on his stool and thought for a long time, and relying on the few clear moments he had just had, he determined one thing.
That notebook definitely wanted to control him.
It was just that before it could fully control him, he had discovered it and bestowed upon it twenty-nine Obliviate spells.
Although that notebook had lost its memory, it did not mean that its previous bewitching and control effects had lost their effectiveness.
Today, perhaps there was no host to control the bewitching and controlling magic, causing it to run on its own instead.
And the place he had just gone to was the place that the notebook wanted to go.
Gilderoy Lockhart felt it; that magic power had begun to slowly fade after he became clear-headed.
After all, there was no longer a notebook to reinforce this control.
This situation made Gilderoy Lockhart breathe a sigh of relief.
The exhaustion of the night made him quickly collapse onto his bed and fall asleep.
Chapter 153: Fudge Comes to Hogwarts
Early morning.
Xiao Deng got up early and went out for a stroll.
Xiao Deng felt like he was living a life of retirement now.
Despite being young, he was acting like an old man, playing with birds in the Forbidden Forest.
If Dumbledore hadn't refused to lend him his bird, he wouldn't have had to come to the Forbidden Forest.
Xiao Deng calculated the time the young Wizards were in class and returned to Hogwarts.
Just as he arrived at Hogwarts, he froze for a moment.
He arrived at Dumbledore's office unhurriedly.
Dumbledore looked at Xiao Deng in surprise.
"Why are you here again?"
An outstretched hand was the only answer to Dumbledore.
Dumbledore sighed helplessly and took a lemon sherbet out of his drawer.
Only then did Xiao Deng speak.
"You are in trouble."
"What trouble?"
"He will be here soon."
Not long after, Professor McGonagall came looking for him.
Dumbledore glanced at Xiao Deng—is this the trouble you were talking about?
"Albus, Minister Fudge says he has an urgent matter to discuss with you."
Dumbledore's heart tightened; Fudge wouldn't come looking for him for something trivial.
Dumbledore remained silent for a moment before looking at Professor McGonagall.
"Let him in."
With Dumbledore's permission, Professor McGonagall went out to invite him in.
Before long, Fudge arrived at Dumbledore's office.
Fudge wore an appropriately polite smile on his face.
"We meet again, Dumbledore."
When he saw Xiao Deng, Fudge's eyes visibly brightened.
Xiao Deng was a rising star in the Wizarding World, not only accomplished in academics but also a master of business.
"Oh, Mr. Hehuan!"
"I have long heard of your reputation, but I haven't had the chance to formally greet you until now."
"Please allow me to introduce myself, Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge."
Xiao Deng nodded with a smile.
"You two go ahead, don't mind me, I'm just here for the free food and drink."
Xiao Deng waved the melon seeds in his hand.
Only then did Fudge turn his head to look at Dumbledore.
"Dumbledore, there is a terrible matter I need to inform you about."
"I heard the Chamber of Secrets has been opened again."
Dumbledore stared at Fudge for a long while.
"So, what do you intend to do?"
Fudge suddenly felt a great deal of pressure, which dissipated after Dumbledore spoke.
"I need to arrest Hagrid."
Seeing that Dumbledore said nothing, Fudge continued:
"Given that Hagrid was involved in this matter decades ago, the Ministry of Magic finds it necessary to ask him to assist in the investigation."
"He will have to go to Azkaban first, but don't worry, he will be released once the matter is investigated clearly."
At this point, even Xiao Deng, who was cracking melon seeds, couldn't help but lift his eyelids to glance at Fudge.
Is your name really Fudge? Shouldn't it be Silly-Fudge?
Hagrid is Dumbledore's right-hand man; this is an open secret in the Wizarding World.
You come here and immediately want to take Hagrid away; do you think Dumbledore will agree?
If he agrees, I'll write Fudge backwards.
Xiao Deng had long since reached the Deity Transformation stage, and he knew the strength of the Hogwarts Professors like the back of his hand.
Putting himself, an anomaly, aside, Dumbledore's strength was in a league of its own, almost at a crushing level.
If he's happy, he'll talk to you; if he's not, he can take everyone out with one blow.
Whether or not one eats beef is up to him; that he's even speaking nicely to Fudge is giving him face.
As Fudge spoke, he took a piece of paper from his pocket and placed it on Dumbledore's desk.
"This is the Ministry of Magic's decision."
Dumbledore looked at the Fudge in front of him, then at Xiao Deng, who was watching the show from the side.
"You will not take Hagrid."
"He did not open the Chamber of Secrets."
"Not to mention now, even that matter from decades ago remains unclear to you all."
"Are you suggesting Hagrid should have stayed in there until now?"
"If Hagrid hadn't come out, and the Chamber of Secrets was still opened, would you say Hagrid broke out of prison to open it?"
"First, Hagrid has committed no wrongdoing; if he has, please present evidence."
"Second, how do you know the Chamber of Secrets has been opened?"
"When was it opened? Do you have proof?"
"Rumors are not enough!"
Fudge's face darkened; he hadn't expected Dumbledore to stop him.
"Professor, why must you be like this?"
"The Ministry of Magic is just; we will clear Hagrid's name."
Dumbledore slowly stood up.
"If it were just, Hagrid would not have been sent to Azkaban without a clear reason decades ago."
"If it were just, would you, Fudge, come here to make an arrest without evidence?"
The smile on Fudge's face gradually faded.
Before coming, he didn't feel much fear toward Dumbledore.
Only when standing in front of Dumbledore did he remember that this man was a legendary figure in his youth.
This left Fudge in a dilemma.
Just then, a voice from the side broke the awkwardness between the two.
"Mr. Fudge!"
Fudge turned his head to look; this was a hot new star in the Wizarding World, and he didn't want to offend him.
"I think you can take it slow."
"Currently, nothing has happened at Hogwarts."
"I believe it is still within a controllable range."
"I assume the Ministry of Magic wouldn't want to arrest the wrong person and tarnish its reputation."
Xiao Deng blinked at Fudge; the shrewd and experienced Fudge immediately understood.
This was a step down, a step down for himself.
If he didn't take it, he would be the one suffering and losing face today.
"Mr. Hehuan makes sense."
"Since nothing has happened yet, this matter can be set aside for now."
"But if something really does happen, I will come back."
Immediately, Fudge left Dumbledore's office, taking his paper with him.
Watching Fudge leave, Dumbledore rubbed his temples and took out a lemon sherbet.
Just as he took it out, a hand reached out from the side.
Dumbledore chuckled.
"You kid, the way you comfort people is a bit annoying."
Dumbledore gave him one and took one for himself.
Xiao Deng casually cast a silencing spell.
"Principal, have you thought about a question?"
"What?" Dumbledore asked, looking at Xiao Deng.
"Has the Chamber of Secrets really been opened?"
"If it has, how did Fudge find out?"
Hearing Xiao Deng's profound words, Dumbledore felt a string in his heart suddenly plucked.
"Are you saying that the Chamber of Secrets might have really been opened?"
"And that someone at Hogwarts might be tipping him off?"
The next moment, Dumbledore dismissed this idea.
"Tipping off and creating public opinion is possible, but seeing the Chamber of Secrets being opened should be impossible."
Xiao Deng took out a dried fruit, looked at it, and ate it with the lemon sherbet.
"Who it is, we don't know yet."
"But Principal, can you tell me what this Chamber of Secrets is all about?"
Dumbledore sighed and sat down.
"That's a long story."
"Salazar Slytherin was one of the founders of the school."
"Legend has it that he left behind a Chamber of Secrets, waiting for his heir to appear."
"The heir will open the Chamber of Secrets and purge all those who are unworthy to learn magic."