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Chapter 126: I Don't Know What Happened, But I'm Awesome
2022-07-14 Author: I'm Just a Pigeon
"Knock, knock."
A knock sounded at the door. However, before Professor McGonagall could say "come in," the person at the doorway had already spoken in his unique tone.
"Good afternoon, Professor McGonagagall. At your invitation, Lockhart has come to visit."
*Professor Lockhart is as forward as ever.*
William, who was sitting there desperately trying to recall if he'd missed something, couldn't help but envy the professor outside the door—ignorance is bliss sometimes, especially when you know a curse like this exists.
*If he doesn't know, so be it. But when it comes to personal strength, if the curse takes effect, I'll probably be the first to suffer—*
It was so frustrating.
"Come in."
Professor McGonagall had already composed herself, her tone returning to its usual stability. However, William couldn't shake the feeling—perhaps an illusion—that her eyes betrayed a hint of disdain.
Before William could ponder it further, the office door swung open. Today, Professor Lockhart was dressed head-to-toe in pink, yet he didn't look effeminate in the slightest. Instead, he gave off an incredibly striking impression, earning William's admiration—when it came to fashion sense alone, Professor Lockhart was undoubtedly number one among all the students and faculty at Hogwarts, including the Headmaster.
"Good afternoon, Professor McGonagall—ah, Professor William, you're here too. It seems you're also working hard to persuade Professor McGonagall for me. Thank you so much, Professor William."
*Can I take back my previous comment?*
*Are you sure you graduated from Ravenclaw and not Gryffindor?*
*Why do you have that Gryffindor shortcoming as well?*
"Hogwarts has no precedent for this. Canceling a detention for a banquet is something no Head of House would ever agree to." Professor McGonagall wore a business-like expression, which instantly reminded William what Lockhart meant by "persuasion."
"Not canceling, just postponing, Professor. September is so charming; it would be a shame not to hold a banquet now."
William had an overwhelming urge to retort, but considering he had also applied for a banquet to win over the students who were working for him, he silently kept his mouth shut.
"Alright, this matter is not up for discussion—if you truly find it a pity, Professor Lockhart, you can hold the banquet on an evening when there are no classes."
Professor McGonagall rarely added such a compromising statement, but before Lockhart could even consider the possibility of implementing it, she quickly raised a new question.
"Actually, today I'd like to investigate something. Among the students in the lower years, are there any who have performed exceptionally well in their courses?"
William, who had been awaiting an answer, didn't know if the question was too difficult or if Professor Lockhart was preoccupied with his banquet, but for the first time ever, he saw Professor Lockhart's award-winning smile turn slightly vacant.
"Performed exceptionally well?"
Lockhart repeated the question, like a student caught daydreaming in class.
"Yes, exceptionally well... that would have to be Hermione. Right, Hermione Granger."
Professor Lockhart's answer, delivered as if grasping at a lifeline, was rather undignified, but neither William nor Professor McGonagall paid it any mind.
This familiar name left William stunned—this was the student whose name he had committed to memory on the first day of school. The memory of the spell she used to knock down the Ministry of Magic official was still fresh in his mind.
*Could it be her?*
The thought surfaced in William's mind, and he began to consider the points of suspicion.
In terms of ability, the young girl Hagrid called the top of her year definitely had it. The card he had drawn earlier also indirectly demonstrated just how terrifying the second-year student's potential was.
[Hermione Granger; Learning 2/Magic 1/Potions 1/Dark Magic 1/Transfiguration 1...]
Following that was a long list of Level 0 masteries. A single glance at the card was enough to show how capable the young girl was. For most wizards, they would never reach a point where they could compete on potential alone.
*Contact with a strange ritual—that's also very possible.*
A Muggle-born girl who, after confirming the existence of magic, began researching Muggle occultism and tried to use that knowledge to maintain her status as top of the year—completely reasonable.
As for her willingness to act, she had slipped off the train on the very first day of school. William was quite confident that she could muster the courage to carry out a chicken-killing plan.
William glanced tentatively at Professor McGonagall—truth be told, he wasn't familiar with the younger students. After being wrong about the Weasley Twins once, he didn't dare jump to conclusions again.
"Miss Granger?"
Professor McGonagall was also hesitant—compared to William, she knew far better how much trouble that particular student, who had just started her second year, could stir up.
The mechanisms protecting the Philosopher's Stone were completely dismantled by three children. Although Potter was the one who went in at the end, as the Deputy Headmistress and Head of House, Professor McGonagall was well aware of which child had contributed the most to the entire operation.
Last year's incident, combined with the Fat Lady's answer that was completely inconsistent with the situation in the House, led her to temporarily list Hermione as the prime suspect.
*I'll summon Miss Granger and the other students capable of this for a talk, and we'll keep this matter quiet for now.*
Wood had reported the conflict between the Slytherin team and Gryffindor to her long ago. Although Professor McGonagall hadn't shown any outward reaction, she had taken note of the injustice her students suffered. Just as Quidditch players could get their homework reduced, she decided to be lenient with this outstanding Muggle-born student this time—if it really was her.
*A necessary conversation is still required, but others must not find out, especially Lockhart. He's such a big mouth.*
Having made up her mind, Professor McGonagall decided to get rid of them now that their purpose was served. One professor was enough for a conversation; three would make it an interrogation—especially since Professor Lockhart loved being in the papers. Heaven knows how big a scene he would cause if he got involved.
As for William, to prevent Professor Lockhart from feeling it was unfair, he had to be sent away as well.
"Hmm, I think I understand now. It seems we can celebrate with a banquet soon—Professor William, you aren't very familiar with Hogwarts. I imagine you'll need a good guide to help you with the preparations for the banquet."
Professor McGonagall said to William with a smile. Before he could react, she turned to look at Lockhart.
"Professor Lockhart, I assume you wouldn't mind taking Professor William to prepare for his small banquet. If you decide to hold your banquet tonight, perhaps Professor William can be of great help."
"Of course, of course."
Lockhart flashed his signature smile. Although he hadn't figured out what had just happened, it seemed the matter was resolved. He was quite interested in mentoring another professor.
*In my next book, perhaps Professor William can become an important character in my Hogwarts memoir!*
PS: Just this one update...
(end of chapter)
2022-07-14 Author: I'm Just a Pigeon
"Knock, knock."
A knock sounded at the door. However, before Professor McGonagall could say "come in," the person at the doorway had already spoken in his unique tone.
"Good afternoon, Professor McGonagagall. At your invitation, Lockhart has come to visit."
*Professor Lockhart is as forward as ever.*
William, who was sitting there desperately trying to recall if he'd missed something, couldn't help but envy the professor outside the door—ignorance is bliss sometimes, especially when you know a curse like this exists.
*If he doesn't know, so be it. But when it comes to personal strength, if the curse takes effect, I'll probably be the first to suffer—*
It was so frustrating.
"Come in."
Professor McGonagall had already composed herself, her tone returning to its usual stability. However, William couldn't shake the feeling—perhaps an illusion—that her eyes betrayed a hint of disdain.
Before William could ponder it further, the office door swung open. Today, Professor Lockhart was dressed head-to-toe in pink, yet he didn't look effeminate in the slightest. Instead, he gave off an incredibly striking impression, earning William's admiration—when it came to fashion sense alone, Professor Lockhart was undoubtedly number one among all the students and faculty at Hogwarts, including the Headmaster.
"Good afternoon, Professor McGonagall—ah, Professor William, you're here too. It seems you're also working hard to persuade Professor McGonagall for me. Thank you so much, Professor William."
*Can I take back my previous comment?*
*Are you sure you graduated from Ravenclaw and not Gryffindor?*
*Why do you have that Gryffindor shortcoming as well?*
"Hogwarts has no precedent for this. Canceling a detention for a banquet is something no Head of House would ever agree to." Professor McGonagall wore a business-like expression, which instantly reminded William what Lockhart meant by "persuasion."
"Not canceling, just postponing, Professor. September is so charming; it would be a shame not to hold a banquet now."
William had an overwhelming urge to retort, but considering he had also applied for a banquet to win over the students who were working for him, he silently kept his mouth shut.
"Alright, this matter is not up for discussion—if you truly find it a pity, Professor Lockhart, you can hold the banquet on an evening when there are no classes."
Professor McGonagall rarely added such a compromising statement, but before Lockhart could even consider the possibility of implementing it, she quickly raised a new question.
"Actually, today I'd like to investigate something. Among the students in the lower years, are there any who have performed exceptionally well in their courses?"
William, who had been awaiting an answer, didn't know if the question was too difficult or if Professor Lockhart was preoccupied with his banquet, but for the first time ever, he saw Professor Lockhart's award-winning smile turn slightly vacant.
"Performed exceptionally well?"
Lockhart repeated the question, like a student caught daydreaming in class.
"Yes, exceptionally well... that would have to be Hermione. Right, Hermione Granger."
Professor Lockhart's answer, delivered as if grasping at a lifeline, was rather undignified, but neither William nor Professor McGonagall paid it any mind.
This familiar name left William stunned—this was the student whose name he had committed to memory on the first day of school. The memory of the spell she used to knock down the Ministry of Magic official was still fresh in his mind.
*Could it be her?*
The thought surfaced in William's mind, and he began to consider the points of suspicion.
In terms of ability, the young girl Hagrid called the top of her year definitely had it. The card he had drawn earlier also indirectly demonstrated just how terrifying the second-year student's potential was.
[Hermione Granger; Learning 2/Magic 1/Potions 1/Dark Magic 1/Transfiguration 1...]
Following that was a long list of Level 0 masteries. A single glance at the card was enough to show how capable the young girl was. For most wizards, they would never reach a point where they could compete on potential alone.
*Contact with a strange ritual—that's also very possible.*
A Muggle-born girl who, after confirming the existence of magic, began researching Muggle occultism and tried to use that knowledge to maintain her status as top of the year—completely reasonable.
As for her willingness to act, she had slipped off the train on the very first day of school. William was quite confident that she could muster the courage to carry out a chicken-killing plan.
William glanced tentatively at Professor McGonagall—truth be told, he wasn't familiar with the younger students. After being wrong about the Weasley Twins once, he didn't dare jump to conclusions again.
"Miss Granger?"
Professor McGonagall was also hesitant—compared to William, she knew far better how much trouble that particular student, who had just started her second year, could stir up.
The mechanisms protecting the Philosopher's Stone were completely dismantled by three children. Although Potter was the one who went in at the end, as the Deputy Headmistress and Head of House, Professor McGonagall was well aware of which child had contributed the most to the entire operation.
Last year's incident, combined with the Fat Lady's answer that was completely inconsistent with the situation in the House, led her to temporarily list Hermione as the prime suspect.
*I'll summon Miss Granger and the other students capable of this for a talk, and we'll keep this matter quiet for now.*
Wood had reported the conflict between the Slytherin team and Gryffindor to her long ago. Although Professor McGonagall hadn't shown any outward reaction, she had taken note of the injustice her students suffered. Just as Quidditch players could get their homework reduced, she decided to be lenient with this outstanding Muggle-born student this time—if it really was her.
*A necessary conversation is still required, but others must not find out, especially Lockhart. He's such a big mouth.*
Having made up her mind, Professor McGonagall decided to get rid of them now that their purpose was served. One professor was enough for a conversation; three would make it an interrogation—especially since Professor Lockhart loved being in the papers. Heaven knows how big a scene he would cause if he got involved.
As for William, to prevent Professor Lockhart from feeling it was unfair, he had to be sent away as well.
"Hmm, I think I understand now. It seems we can celebrate with a banquet soon—Professor William, you aren't very familiar with Hogwarts. I imagine you'll need a good guide to help you with the preparations for the banquet."
Professor McGonagall said to William with a smile. Before he could react, she turned to look at Lockhart.
"Professor Lockhart, I assume you wouldn't mind taking Professor William to prepare for his small banquet. If you decide to hold your banquet tonight, perhaps Professor William can be of great help."
"Of course, of course."
Lockhart flashed his signature smile. Although he hadn't figured out what had just happened, it seemed the matter was resolved. He was quite interested in mentoring another professor.
*In my next book, perhaps Professor William can become an important character in my Hogwarts memoir!*
PS: Just this one update...
(end of chapter)
