"Ahaha, as a professor personally hired by Dumbledore, my teaching level is plain for all to see. You should trust Dumbledore's judgment."
Indeed plain to see.
Seeing no reaction, Lockhart hurriedly said, "Otherwise why would the Headmaster have Miss Granger as my assistant... Because only she can keep up with my thinking. Right, Miss Granger?"
I think Headmaster Dumbledore just wants Hermione to clean up after you!
Everyone thought in unison.
Hermione felt somewhat tired. Covered her forehead. Said quietly, "Right. Whatever you say."
Seeing Hermione so cooperative, Lockhart said satisfactorily, "I think today's teaching effect was excellent. We can use this model going forward. With me, Lockhart... and Miss Granger here, we'll definitely teach you high-level Defense Against the Dark Arts!"
We're doomed!
Young wizards' eyes widened. Expressions like the sky was falling.
"Plant seeds obtained. Also collected quite a few magical creatures and alchemy materials. Time to consider mass cultivation..."
Hermione pondered. Unknowingly arrived at the library.
Since Dumbledore gave her Restricted Section access, she could now borrow any books anytime. Condition—couldn't show them to students she deemed unsuitable.
Like the book in her hand: Introduction to Dangerous Magical Experiments.
Just entering, Hermione heard whispers.
"Who's that? A first-year? So bold."
"Right? Doesn't she know that's the Gryffindor Witch's exclusive seat?"
"Heard that Witch isn't good-tempered. Even Slytherin's Malfoy was thoroughly handled by her. Someone actually dares take her seat."
"This'll be a good show."
"Shh, the Witch is here. Shut up."
Someone noticed Hermione's arrival. Hurriedly reminded others.
Hermione frowned. Passed through the crowd. Saw the large corner table she usually used.
Many knew she disliked being disturbed while reading. So normally, except for Harry and Ron occasionally asking questions, others tacitly avoided this desk.
However, someone now sat at this exclusive desk.
A girl in Ravenclaw robes. Wearing a necklace of butterbeer corks. Platinum blonde hair.
Luna Lovegood.
Hermione looked at her. Said nothing. Just sat beside her with her book.
Luna also read seriously. Until half an hour later, finally put down her book. Pulled out her wand. Waved it gently.
"Expecto Patronum."
Faint blue light overflowed from the wand tip. But immediately disappeared.
After trying several times with the same result, Luna showed a confused expression. Just about to reopen her book when she suddenly heard a voice beside her.
"The Patronus Charm requires concentration. Imagine the happiest thing in your life. Not simply cast with one incantation."
Only then did Luna notice someone beside her. Looked up at Hermione. Tilted her head. Seemed to ponder her words.
After a while, waved her wand again. Silver-white light gradually formed a hare shape. But just after forming, immediately dissipated.
Hermione: ...Impressive.
If not for the inappropriate location, she'd applaud Luna.
Though only lasting an instant, it indeed formed a complete Patronus shape.
Most adult wizards couldn't cast a complete Patronus. Now done by a newly enrolled young wizard.
Even with Hermione's guidance, seemed too exceptional.
This talent wasn't much worse than the original Hermione's.
Seeing successful casting, Luna's face rarely showed a trace of smile. Made her ethereal, lively temperament even more apparent.
Put away her wand. Looked at Hermione again.
"Thank you. I know you. You're Hermione Granger from Gryffindor."
Voice ethereal. Misty.
Hermione nodded. "Luna Lovegood. Saw you at the Sorting Ceremony."
"Why would a first-year wizard be reading high-level spell books here?" she asked.
Luna blinked her bright eyes. Thought a moment. Said, "I've already learned most of the Standard Book of Spells, first three grades. Wanted to see if the library had anything novel."
These days if you don't study several years ahead, you're embarrassed to call yourself a genius.
Hearing Luna's words, Hermione sighed.
But looking for novel things—you came to the wrong place.
The really interesting stuff was deep in the Restricted Section. The library's outer area had nothing.
"I see... Then help yourself."
Hermione lowered her head. Continued reading.
Luna stretched her neck to look over.
"Introduction to Dangerous Magical Experiments... Do you like doing magical experiments?"
I not only like experiments, but also gardening, potions, alchemy, biological modification...
Hermione glanced at her. Said patiently, "Just getting started. Haven't tried yet. Just reading."
Luna hummed. "Then be careful. Don't get the spell wrong and accidentally die."
Hermione: "..."
Thanks for the well wishes.
But seeing Luna's serious expression, she knew the other had no ill intent. Genuinely worried about her.
"Okay."
The two quietly read. However, surrounding wizards were already full of disbelief.
"My god, that new student is so brave. Actually daring to talk to the Library Witch while she's reading!"
"Right? What's with the Witch today? Normally except for Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, anyone else daring to disturb the Witch's reading would've been dealt with severely."
"Even Harry and Ron have gotten in trouble when they annoyed her."
"Huh, is the Witch's temper really that bad? She seems pretty quiet normally?"
"Heh, the Slytherin Quidditch team might have a different opinion."
Hearing the surrounding whispers, Luna tilted her head. Stared at Hermione's profile. Wondering about something.
"Good grief, what is this?"
In the classroom, Hermione looked at answer sheets. Held her forehead. Hand constantly marking X's.
"People about to take O.W.L. exams, can't even answer such simple questions."
She felt somewhat desperate. Muttered quietly, "No wonder—fifth year, many couldn't even use a Disarming Charm properly. That's second-year content!"
Had to say—Hogwarts' Defense Against the Dark Arts teaching level was truly terrible!
Right—she was currently helping Lockhart grade upper-year papers.
Why wasn't Lockhart grading them himself...
Simple. He couldn't!
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