Of course, he'd never admit this. Only said he had many fan letters to sign. Temporarily too busy.
Euphemistically called it—training Hermione as his teaching assistant.
Hermione sighed softly.
She understood now—Dumbledore made her come be a workhorse.
In the Marvel world, she made S.H.I.E.L.D. and Stark Industries her workhorses. Now finally her turn.
Karma truly comes around.
"Harry, Harry."
While signing, Lockhart smiled at Harry beside him. "Can you think of a better detention method than helping me write fan replies?"
Sitting on his left, Harry showed an awkward yet polite smile.
"Can't think of any, Professor."
After leaving the library, not only Hermione—even Harry was drafted to help write replies. Euphemistically called "exchange between three celebrities."
The three stayed in the classroom until late night.
"Fame is a fickle friend. Celebrities should act like celebrities. Remember that."
Lockhart earnestly lectured philosophy. Completely forgot his disheveled appearance during the day.
The celebrity behavior you speak of—abandoning students and fleeing yourself? Hermione inwardly complained.
"Ahaha..."
Harry didn't respond. Instead looked pleadingly at Hermione.
Noticing Harry's gaze, Hermione raised a stack of papers.
"Don't look at me. Want to trade?"
Seeing the page full of red X's, Harry swallowed. Forced a smile. "I'll stick with my letters. Ahaha..."
"I say, Professor Lockhart, have you considered entering the Ministry of Magic?"
Hermione suddenly said. "I think with your heroic record, you should qualify for an important Ministry position. Maybe even compete for Minister of Magic someday."
Harry's head shot up. Eyes wide, stared at Hermione.
Wait, are you serious?
First time hearing such outrageous words from Hermione's mouth. He instinctively wanted to refute... But remembering the subject was right there, forcibly suppressed the impulse.
Lockhart froze. Then perked up. Sat much straighter. Leaned toward Hermione.
He said quietly, "You really think so?"
"Yes." Hermione nodded. Tone serious. "I think you becoming a politician—couldn't be more suitable."
Not hearing the subtle sarcasm in Hermione's words, Lockhart rubbed his hands excitedly.
"Seems great minds think alike. I've thought about it before. With my abilities, definitely no problem. Only..."
Here he paused. Then continued, "Only if I really went to the Ministry, probably wouldn't have time to adventure anymore. Publish new books everyone loves. Finally had to reluctantly give up."
"All for my fans!"
You're afraid of being exposed... Hermione filled in his true thoughts.
Fans were easy to fool. But most in the Ministry were elites. Making him an entertainment idol—fine. But actually going to departments like Magical Law Enforcement, dealing with vicious dark wizards daily—his persona would collapse instantly.
"Really?"
Hermione smiled. Noncommittal. Then showed a mysterious expression. "But think about it—if you could accomplish great things at the Ministry. Like Alastor Moody. Successfully capture some notorious criminals. Or uncover some conspiracy that could overturn the wizarding world. You could write these stories into new books."
"Compared to those dark creature cave adventures, these good-versus-evil stories would be more popular with readers. Better selling points. More immersive. Sales would definitely far exceed current works."
She coaxed persuasively. "Besides, with these achievements and your fame in the wizarding world, your approval rating would definitely have advantages over others. You'd surely rise rapidly. Becoming Minister of Magic—just a matter of time!"
"I'm your fan. These heartfelt words—all for your benefit!"
Her voice full of temptation. Like a devil's whisper. Echoing in his ears.
Lockhart listened entranced. Couldn't extricate himself.
"If that doesn't work, could also arrange a dark wizard assassination during a speech. You'd suffer minor injuries... Then spread rumors—saying a rival sent them..."
Holy crap, what am I hearing?!
Should I even be hearing this?!
Unlike Lockhart immersed in fantasy, Harry looked at Hermione with horror.
What are you planning?!
Can I leave before you discuss this?!
Stop it!
Having been her friend for a while, he understood her hidden dark attributes better than anyone.
"For others' benefit"—that's clearly the expression she shows when preparing to trick someone.
"Granger, do you really think I could achieve so much?"
Lockhart swallowed. Looked at Hermione with burning eyes.
"Of course. As long as someone helps you behind the scenes, you definitely can."
Hermione gazed at Lockhart. Lips slowly curved. Showed a big smile.
Harry sweated profusely. Closed his eyes. Prayed for Merlin's blessing. Nearly buried his head under the desk.
Suddenly, living at Uncle Vernon's doesn't seem so bad.
Fortunately at the last moment, Lockhart sobered up. Hurriedly shook his head.
Ultimately had fairly clear understanding of his own abilities.
Fooling students—fine. But actually facing dark wizards—that'd cost his life!
Though didn't actually implement it, after this "heart-to-heart talk," his favorability toward Hermione maxed out.
This girl is a natural strategist!
Too bad his abilities are insufficient. Otherwise... sigh.
"Hehe..."
Hermione didn't mind. Just casual talk. Wouldn't harm her anyway.
The seed of desire—already quietly sprouted.
Harry was wiping sweat when suddenly his expression changed. Jerked his head up. Looked around.
"Did you hear something?"
One sentence pulled Lockhart back to reality.
"What?"
"Someone's talking."
"Talking?"
Seeing Harry didn't seem to be lying, Lockhart's eyes swept around.
"No."
"Professor, you didn't hear it?" Harry's expression grave.
"What are you saying, Harry?"
Harry stopped talking. Just looked around on his own. Searching for the voice's source.
Lockhart looked at Hermione. Found her also frowning. Seemed to be observing surroundings.
Lockhart: "..."
Swallowed. His whole body stiffened, turned toward Harry.
"Something's nearby. Whispering..."
Harry murmured.
A chill rose from Lockhart's heart.
"Alright, stop scaring our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
Hermione's voice suddenly rang out. Momentarily like heavenly music.
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