Lockhart rummaged through his bag and pulled out a finely wrapped box.
"Headmaster, this is the Super Smile Whitening Toothpaste that I endorse.
"It was invented by the famous American potioneer, Mr. Smiggle.
"Unlike traditional whitening toothpaste that uses silica, this one adopts a gentler, innovative formula and includes the saliva of a Color Ball Fish.
"This protects the enamel and acts like a protective film for your teeth!"
Lockhart flashed a dazzling smile. His perfectly aligned teeth gleamed under the candlelight of the Great Hall, looking extraordinarily white.
"The newspapers say you have a habit of sneaking sweets from young wizards. With this, you'll always maintain a perfect set of teeth.
"If you want more, feel free to contact me. I can give you a 5% discount."
Lockhart started promoting his product.
Dumbledore chuckled and took the toothpaste happily.
Lockhart then pulled out a magazine. Showing its cover to the students, he announced loudly:
"This is the latest edition of Witch Weekly. The cover features a photo of me. It's a gift for Professor Sprout, the Head of Hufflepuff House.
"You can take it back tonight, hide under the covers, and secretly read it. It's the perfect cure for loneliness. The photo of me will never leave your side."
Lockhart winked.
Professor Sprout's face turned liver red.
Even when she heard earlier that the Whomping Willow had been damaged, her expression wasn't this grim.
Lockhart then turned to Professor McGonagall.
McGonagall gripped her wand tightly. If Lockhart dared to give her a similar gift—like a book or a photograph—she'd turn him into a peacock on the spot.
Even if it meant being sent to Azkaban.
But instead of a book, Lockhart held up a golden trophy.
"Professor McGonagall, I know how much you love Quidditch. Gryffindor didn't win the Quidditch Cup last year, and that must've been hard for you.
"But don't worry.
"While I was in Paraguay, pursuing a fugitive at the Asunción Prison, the inmates held an indoor Quidditch tournament.
"I scored five goals and made six assists, leading the team to a 110-20 victory.
"This is the 'Golden Prisoner Award' trophy. I'm giving it to you. Please cherish it well!"
Professor McGonagall's hands trembled with anger.
Was this meant to mock her?
Gryffindor didn't win simply because they didn't feel like it!
Lockhart's gaze then shifted to Professor Flitwick.
"Professor Flitwick, here's a pair of height-enhancing shoes that I endorse. It'll boost your confidence in the matchmaking scene.
"I'm sure you've tried plenty of height-boosting potions before, but these shoes are the perfect solution to your problems. You're one lucky fellow!"
Professor Flitwick buried his face in his hands, refusing to accept the pair of pink high-heeled shoes.
Finally, Lockhart turned to Professor Snape.
Laughing heartily, he said, "Snape, you're going to love this! My gift to you is a shampoo I invented.
"It's made with the yolks of Occamy eggs, which lock in shine and ensure your hair will never be greasy again.
"Everyone knows my secret ambition is to rid the world of evil—and sell my own line of hair care products. I've written about it in several of my books. You're bound to become a loyal customer."
Cho Chang looked at Lockhart in disbelief. "On Merlin, what is he doing?"
William, suppressing laughter, shook with silent mirth. He couldn't believe that in just a few minutes, Lockhart had managed to offend the heads of all four houses.
The one and only Gilderoy Lockhart.
Wait…
Occamy eggs?
Like hallucinogenic mushrooms, Occamy eggs are a key ingredient in Felix Felicis and are quite expensive.
William realized he could extract the Occamy egg components from the shampoo.
This would save him the cost of purchasing Occamy eggs!
William grinned. What a genius idea!
It seemed he needed to cozy up to Professor Lockhart and take advantage of this golden opportunity.
After handing out his gifts, the atmosphere in the Great Hall became awkward, and everyone resumed eating.
When the feast ended, Dumbledore cleared his throat and stood up to speak.
"Well, now that everyone is full, I have a few announcements to make."
"First-year students, take note: the Forbidden Forest is strictly off-limits, and no one is allowed near the Whomping Willow by the greenhouses.
"I've just received word that some students have damaged our precious tree, and the school will take appropriate disciplinary action."
Snape let out a cold laugh, while Professor McGonagall looked slightly embarrassed.
"On a brighter note," Dumbledore continued, "this year, I'm delighted to welcome a new teacher to our staff.
"As you've all seen—Professor Gilderoy Lockhart!
"He has graciously agreed to fill the vacancy in Defense Against the Dark Arts. I deeply appreciate his selfless dedication."
The Great Hall erupted in applause. Lockhart's fame and good looks had earned him many fans.
The professors, however, were far less enthusiastic, with most barely acknowledging him.
"And now," Dumbledore said cheerfully, "it's time for the annual school song!"
Standing at the head table, Dumbledore conducted like a maestro.
This year's performance was different: instead of just Ravenclaw students, all four houses joined together to sing.
The Grey Lady didn't lead the vocals this time but instead performed a dance with a group of witches.
All the seventh-year witches participated, gracefully dancing along with the song.
These students were about to graduate, and this festive memory would surely be a fond one.
William welcomed the change. His small adjustments from last year had turned Hogwarts' monotonous song tradition into a highlight of the evening.
"I never realized our school has so many beautiful upperclassmen," William murmured during the performance.
Cho glanced at the seventh-year witches and muttered, "They're all just a bunch of old hags."
William couldn't help but laugh. For a twelve- or thirteen-year-old witch, seventeen probably did seem ancient.
Still, there was no comparison between them.
William's gaze lingered on the Grey Lady.
It was the first time he'd seen her looking so cheerful, a stark contrast to her usual icy demeanor.
"Did you notice that the Bloody Baron keeps watching the Grey Lady?" Cho whispered. "I think he fancies her."
William nodded. He had noticed too. After all, eyes don't lie.
"By the way, are you sure the Grey Lady is a ghost from Ravenclaw's era?"
Cho replied earnestly, "Yes. She mentioned that the song we're performing was composed by Rowena Ravenclaw herself. It was the school anthem of that era."
"Did she say anything about Ravenclaw's diadem?" William asked.
"No," Cho shook her head.
Ever since William had obtained Ravenclaw's ring, they hadn't stopped searching for the diadem and Hufflepuff's cup.
So far, their only clue was the Grey Lady.
During the song rehearsals, she had casually admitted to being a witch from the Founders' era.
But the Grey Lady was always so cold and distant. Few people could approach her, let alone have a conversation.
Would they have to start with the Bloody Baron?
He did seem like a hopeless admirer.
And hopeless admirers are always easy to deal with.
Even if they're dead.
But some things never die.
Like devotion.