Chapter 173: Hope from the Bonfire
The Hibiscus Ravenclaw Alumni Association possessed power far beyond what most people imagined.
Even Mad-Eye Moody, who had painstakingly established and managed this alumni association with his wife, might not fully grasp the extent of this club's formidable influence.
Over the next month, Lockhart traveled to various corners of the globe, seeking out key figures and groups, many of whom were connected through the networks cultivated by the Ravenclaw alumni association members.
Even Mr. Malfoy, who considered himself the most well-connected person in British wizarding society, could not have imagined that an unassuming editor of The Quibbler, Xenophilius Lovegood, would have a friend who was a host on an American ghost-wizard radio station, whose husband happened to be a professor at Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with the surname Stewart.
Stewart was the surname of Isolt Sayre, a descendant of the Gaunt family bloodline, one of Ilvermorny's two founders, and her Muggle husband, James Stewart.
This Mr. Stewart not only wielded significant influence within the magical school, but his family's influence had long permeated every corner of the American wizarding world, including the Ministry of Magic and the banks.
Asian wizarding society, European wizarding society, African wizarding society, Oceanian wizarding society, American wizarding society, and even Arctica and Antarctica.
Lockhart had never imagined that there were wizarding tribes in places like Arctica, where there were only icebergs and no land. It seemed utterly ridiculous.
But with magic, perhaps it wasn't so hard to understand.
As long as you made good use of Portkeys, your doorstep could effectively be Diagon Alley in British wizarding society, not to mention the even simpler and more convenient Floo Network fireplaces.
"I mean—"
Lockhart's expression was a little strange as he spoke to Rita, who had been accompanying him. He stepped out of a fireplace, going from a hundred-meter glacier back to London. The drastic temperature change made him feel a bit unwell, and he quickly waved his wand to cast a soothing spell on Crabbe, who was in even worse shape. "Are there no wizards living underwater?"
Rita blinked. "The legendary Atlantis? It's said to have been destroyed, though of course, we can't be absolutely sure it doesn't exist."
"I can guarantee there aren't any!" A Ravenclaw alumni association member, who had introduced Lockhart to the Arctic wizarding tribe, said with a trembling beard, looking excited. "My father researched this topic and confirmed very clearly that there aren't any."
"Firstly, if wizards were to live underwater, there would inevitably be a large amount of magic and magical artifacts related to the ocean, but we find no trace of this in our lives. Secondly—"
The bearded gentleman had a nickname in the alumni association: "Mr. Thesis," because no matter what topic was discussed, his way of speaking always led to a lengthy dissertation, much to the annoyance of many who tried to converse with him.
Mr. Thesis was very fond of Lockhart.
Because Lockhart was always full of curiosity about the world and always listened attentively to what he said.
It wasn't a ceremonial attentive listening, but rather a type that involved listening and thinking at the same time, often prompting him to extrapolate and think further, making him feel as if they should have met sooner.
The few of them chatted as they exited the Ministry of Magic's public Floo Network fireplace hall, stepping out into the warm sunshine, finally relaxing from the unique chill of the glaciers.
Now, it was time to say goodbye.
"Thank you for your help!" Lockhart's attitude was very sincere as he looked at Rita and Mr. Thesis. "Everyone's help has been immense; without you, I don't know how I would have managed this global distribution!"
Rita was about to say something when she suddenly saw Mr. Thesis pointing at her and telling Lockhart, "The channel you've established this time is a huge undertaking. It will bring much more than just helping you distribute this book! Professor Lockhart, you should be wary of Ms. Skeeter by your side. She has followed you all this way, and now, besides you, she is probably the only one who can effectively utilize this formidable global book distribution network!"
"What are you saying!" Rita was stunned, looking at the bookworm beside her, completely exasperated. She felt so wronged. "I followed all the way, from the hottest parts of Africa to the coldest Arctic. I was helping, not taking credit! I am utterly loyal to Mr. Lockhart!"
She was frantic.
After all that effort, through thick and thin, to be met with suspicion—anyone would be unable to bear it.
"Ah, you shouldn't say that, Rita." Lockhart's smile was always so gentle, soothing the agitated emotions of everyone around him. "I am very grateful for her help to me. Truly, sometimes I find that I'm not very good at dealing with certain people. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't know what to do."
"You possess enough charm to conquer all!" Mr. Thesis said, his tone carrying a unique, almost singing quality, like an aria.
Good heavens!
Rita realized what was happening. This bookworm wasn't warning Lockhart to beware of her; he was vying for favor!
Crazy!
I was the first to follow Mr. Lockhart!
Do you understand the value of being the first!
Do you understand!!!
Thankfully, Mr. Lockhart acknowledged her efforts, and she was so touched she almost cried.
But regardless, this round of contact ended here.
After Mr. Thesis departed, Rita's expression grew tense. "Mr. Lockhart, I must remind you, your new book has already been widely distributed in several of the most important countries. You must be careful!"
Careful of what?
Of course, the Dark Lord and his minions.
Ravenclaws always had well-informed channels, knowing the impact this book would have, how many undercurrents it would stir, and how insane some people would become.
"When is the official release?" Lockhart rubbed his somewhat tired nose bridge. Having been traveling all over the world recently, day and night had blended into a ridiculously chaotic mix, and time itself seemed to have lost meaning in his lived experience.
"Tomorrow, but the news has already spread!" Rita appeared exceptionally serious.
"It seems it's time to lay low for a while," Lockhart's expression shifted, glancing at a nervous-looking Ministry of Magic employee in the public fireplace hall secretly watching him. "You should be careful too."
"No one can catch me!" Rita seemed extraordinarily confident.
As a journalist who enjoyed writing about celebrities and important figures, there were many who wanted her to suffer or even die, but clearly, she had her own way of surviving.
"I hope so." Lockhart looked deeply at Rita, a smile on his face. "Time will prove us right; everything will begin with this book."
"Yes!" A strange sublimity appeared on Rita's face as she bowed slightly. "I am honored to embark on such a wonderful journey with you, sir."
Boom!
Boom!
With several tearing explosions of space, they all Apparated away simultaneously, leaving only the anxious Ministry of Magic employee in the distance, writing a message to send by owl, reporting Lockhart's reappearance.
Nurmengard Castle, Austria.
Vincent Crabbe, who had accompanied them via Side-Along Apparition, shook his slightly dazed head. Recovering from the discomfort of multiple high-intensity Apparitions, he waved his wand, casting the Soul Bonfire spell.
An orange-red glow spread from beneath his feet. The flickering firelight eerily illuminated the hem of his wizard's robe, bringing spiritual relief to both him and Professor Lockhart beside him.
With continuous deep exploration and use, he had gained an extremely profound understanding of this magic, no longer needing to rely on a physical bonfire to cast it.
Of course, merely relying on his unique pure spiritual intuition and his bloodline's natural affinity for fire couldn't have achieved this so quickly. The real reason for this progress was his continuous discussions and exchanges with Lockhart every two or three days.
The combination of wisdom and talent doesn't always have to appear in one person at the same time; it can also be achieved collaboratively through communication.
As long as one chooses the right magic.
Wizards choose magic, and magic also chooses wizards to heal, soothe, and calm. Such a unique magical power was gradually changing Crabbe's own magical properties, his mental state. In turn, his willingness to accept such changes, and even to actively embrace them, caused the spell's effects to become even more miraculous.
Professor Lockhart was right; he could indeed embark on a path to becoming a respected Magical Master.
Vincent Crabbe didn't know how to express his emotions. He simply quietly cast the Soul Bonfire whenever the professor needed it.
During this journey, other members of the Ravenclaw alumni association discovered the wonder of this young wizard's magic. One knowledgeable person had a sudden thought and asked Professor Lockhart—"Can this magic heal soul damage caused by the Cruciatus Curse?"
He didn't know.
Lockhart didn't know everything.
But this question gave both master and apprentice an idea. Lockhart decided to write to another student, asking if Neville's parents would be willing to participate in this research.
After all, he only knew two people who had been harmed by the Cruciatus Curse.
The damage inflicted by Death Eaters on Neville's parents, redeemed by the child of a Death Eater—this was clearly an act full of redemptive meaning.
Everyone had to bear their own responsibilities and lives. Vincent Crabbe made no explicit statement about this, merely practicing the spell more diligently in silence.
Of course, this would take some time, allowing Crabbe more time to grow and for this magic to become even more powerful.
Otherwise, giving hope only to have it shattered would be too painful for Neville.
"Progress!"
Lockhart felt the soothing sensation emanating from the orange light on the ground, his eyes lighting up as he gave a thumbs-up.
Crabbe smiled sheepishly, scratching his head, and quietly swallowed a piece of chicken drumstick. His gluttony, after embarking on the path of magic, had become even more pronounced, though whether that was good or bad remained to be seen.
....
For advanced chapters:
Get early access to 80 advanced chapters before anyone else!
👉 Join now: patreon.com/Chaos_God