After the mission ended and he parted ways with the team, Lockhart kept thinking: with perfect planning, a dragon could be taken down so efficiently—so could Voldemort also be killed through a well-organized assault? If so, why had Voldemort left behind such a terrifying legend over a decade ago? Just how powerful was he? And between him and Dumbledore, who was truly stronger?
This entire trip, including travel and time on the island, had taken only three weeks. There was still a month before the Quidditch World Cup final, so Lockhart could finally relax at home for a while.
Once back, his house-elf Jim respectfully prepared a bath and a lavish meal. He also sorted through piles of letters from fans and acquaintances, neatly arranging them on Lockhart's desk, while destroying dangerous ones like Howlers.
After briefly replying to concerned fans and students, Lockhart began seriously planning his next year. The staff already knew that Hogwarts would be hosting the Triwizard Tournament. In the original storyline, Barty Crouch Jr., disguised as Moody, would send Harry Potter to Voldemort and enable his resurrection.
But after being dragged into events twice against his will, Lockhart was starting to worry. Harry defeating Voldemort felt less like destiny and more like a string of coincidences: their wands sharing the same core, Voldemort being unable to kill him; then switching wands and not using them effectively; and finally the Elder Wand somehow still being loyal to Harry. It all sounded absurd.
Lockhart couldn't rely on those coincidences happening again if he got involved. So he decided to take initiative and change the course of events—prevent Voldemort's resurrection entirely.
Better to let Harry grow stronger first before facing Voldemort. Lockhart even suspected that Dumbledore had secretly given the trio some kind of magic-enhancing potion—otherwise, how could three underage wizards be so powerful? If they matured further and increased their magical strength, they'd stand a much better chance against a resurrected Voldemort.
That settled it. This time, Barty Crouch Jr. wouldn't be able to infiltrate Hogwarts disguised as Moody. As long as Lockhart stayed alert and made sure Harry wasn't taken, the year should pass peacefully.
The thought filled him with excitement—finally, a few stable years ahead. Time to properly enjoy being a respected professor.
To celebrate his plan, Lockhart decided to go out and have some fun—blend into the Muggle world and look for a bit of excitement.
After drinking a sip of Felix Felicis, he Apparated into a busy part of London, ready to chase a little adventure.
The potion worked almost immediately. On the street, he ran into one of his favorite students—and her Muggle parents.
"Miss Granger is one of the most hardworking students I've ever seen! Intelligent and beautiful—she'll definitely become a remarkable woman," he praised sincerely.
The girl in question beamed from behind her parents—clearly thrilled to run into him.
Mr. and Mrs. Granger were equally impressed by the elegant and charismatic professor. "Hermione talks about you all the time," they said warmly. "She even says she wants to marry someone like you in the future."
Used to meeting all kinds of people, the Grangers were happy to befriend a wizard. The conversation flowed so well that they ended up chatting in a café for nearly the entire evening.
When they finally parted ways, the Grangers warmly expressed their hope to meet him again often. Lockhart, smiling, promised he would take even better care of Hermione at school.