Nearly a month into the school year, Harry had come to believe that Gilderoy Lockhart was a capable Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
But one thing was one thing.
Just thinking about replying to his admirers' letters, Harry still felt this was a nightmare.
As for whether Hermione's eager performance was to help him or to help Professor Lockhart, that didn't matter.
As long as someone was willing to share the burden of letter-writing, you're my good friend!
"But I don't know if he'll agree..." Harry felt somewhat anxious.
"Don't be like that, Harry. How will you know without trying? However, you can't tell anyone else about this."
"Uh... okay, okay."
Harry felt that Hermione's tone now was exactly like those criminals on TV who would lure minors into shady things.
The two walked together through the long third-floor corridor toward Lockhart's office.
"Hogwarts' Defense Against the Dark Arts professors keep changing," Hermione said as they walked. "So, each professor decorates this office according to their own tastes and preferences. I wonder what Professor Lockhart's office will look like?"
Seeing Hermione's excitement, Harry remained expressionless. "I'm not looking forward to it at all."
When they reached the door of Professor Lockhart's office, the two stopped.
Seeing that Harry hadn't moved for a long time, Hermione looked at him somewhat puzzled.
"Harry?"
Meeting Hermione's encouraging gaze, Harry gritted his teeth and finally knocked on the door.
The door opened almost instantly.
Gilderoy Lockhart's smiling face appeared before them.
"Ah, the little rascal has arrived! Harry, come in."
Harry: (￣ロ￣lll)
Hermione: ヾ(｡･ω･｡)
Only after saying this did Lockhart notice Hermione standing beside Harry, and he was greatly surprised.
"Miss Granger! Why are you here too?"
Hermione: (;￣д￣ )
Although somewhat disappointed, Hermione still suppressed this negative emotion and asked carefully.
"That... Professor, I'd like to help you write reply letters together with Harry. May I?"
Harry also looked hopefully at Lockhart.
In this instant, he had already seen the full appearance of Lockhart's office.
Just as Hermione had said earlier, Lockhart had redecorated this office according to his own preferences.
The entire office gave the impression of being—gaudy and chaotic.
The walls were covered with countless framed portraits of Lockhart, brightly lit by many candles, with several even bearing his signature, and the desk was also piled with a large stack of photographs.
However, none of this was the worst part.
What truly horrified Harry was that while this office wasn't small—it could even be called spacious—it was still packed full with countless letters and packages.
If he had to reply to all these people...
Harry couldn't help but shudder.
At this moment, he desperately hoped Hermione could help him share some of the burden.
'Given Hermione's excellent performance in Defense Against the Dark Arts classes, please agree to let her help, Professor Lockhart!'
Harry prayed silently in his heart. 'After all, she was the only student who could remember all your preferences!'
However, at this moment, Lockhart said something that surprised both Harry and Hermione.
"Dear Miss Granger, although I'm very happy that you came here voluntarily, I still have to apologize to you."
"Pro-Professor?"
Hermione looked at Lockhart in surprise, apparently not expecting him to refuse her so decisively.
"Having Harry help me reply to fan letters is actually Professor McGonagall's punishment for his detention. I think you both should be clear about this."
Harry and Hermione nodded.
"Precisely because of this, I can't have another person do this work, even if you're willing."
"But, but..."
"Good girl, don't worry. Replying to fan letters isn't something that happens overnight."
Lockhart smiled at Hermione and winked.
"The next time I need to reply to my fans' letters, I'll definitely ask for your help.
At that time, it won't be punishment anymore, but me requesting your assistance!
Having the best student in the year help me would be my honor!"
It must be said that as the author of "Charm Your Way to Success," Lockhart did have some skills.
With just two simple sentences, he transformed Hermione's mood from dejection to joy, and she obediently left.
After Hermione left, Lockhart turned to Harry, his face once again blooming with a brilliant smile.
"Why are you still standing there? Come in quickly, Harry!"
After Harry entered the room, Lockhart immediately closed the door and rubbed his hands together excitedly, saying.
"I think... you can address the envelopes!"
To be honest, his tone was very strange, as if this were some kind of glorious task.
Harry really didn't know where this confidence came from.
Indeed, this person was just as Sherlock had said—truly contradictory.
"Now then... let me see..."
Lockhart searched while muttering.
"The first letter to Lady Gladys, God bless her—she's one of my most ardent admirers."
Thinking of what Sherlock had told him earlier, and remembering how Colin had just pestered him, Harry immediately frowned as a plan formed in his mind.
He wrote the envelope as quickly as possible.
Then, before Lockhart could hand him another envelope, he spoke first. "Professor, actually I have a question I'd like to ask you."
Lockhart was obviously surprised by Harry taking the initiative to speak.
However, he quickly showed a delighted expression.
"I didn't expect the Savior of the Wizarding World to have doubts too?
Don't worry, dear Harry. With my rich life experience, I can certainly answer all your questions."
"The situation is this. there's a student in our house who really likes..."
Harry's skin wasn't thick enough yet, so he couldn't help but pause here.
"That... I don't know how to put it. Anyway, he always wants to take photos with me and get autographs, and he appears on the routes I take every day. It's even affecting my normal life."
"Ha!"
Compared to Harry, Lockhart was much more experienced.
Hearing this, he already understood what was happening.
"I think... you must be talking about Mr. Colin Creevey, right?
That fanatical fan who once took a photo with both of us?"
"Exactly, that's him!"
Harry nodded repeatedly. He didn't correct Lockhart's description; this time Lockhart's characterization really couldn't be called wrong.
"Very good, dear Harry. It seems you've finally realized the weight of this double-edged sword called fame!
As your teacher, I must pass on some experience about being a celebrity to you."
Lockhart straightened his collar and showed his trademark smile.
"I once wrote in 'Dancing with Werewolves'—fame is like the gold coins hidden in a Niffler's pouch; if you're not careful, it will bite your finger."
Entering his area of true expertise, Lockhart suddenly exuded an aura of authority that somehow made Harry find him convincing.
"Harry, you must remember that celebrities must have the bearing of celebrities.
You just said that Mr. Creevey has affected your normal life?
Heh, in my opinion, that's nothing at all.
Once, a fan wanted to break into the bathroom while I was bathing just to get my autograph.
—If it were only that, it would be fine, but do you know what? She had even prepared a love potion!"
Hearing this, Harry was completely stunned.
"A love potion?"
Professor Lockhart winked at the astonished Harry.
"Merlin's beard, actually I shouldn't be telling a student these things. For you now, this is really too early."
"Uh..."
"Ahem... What I mean is, when Mr. Creevey rushes toward you with his camera, you should keep your distance from him like you would from baby Mandrakes."
"Professor, perhaps you could be more specific."
"You need to raise your chin high enough to see the top of the towers, understand?
Use that kind of look of 'I just saved the wizarding world from You-Know-Who' to look down at the camera.
When he says 'Mr. Potter, please give me an autograph,' the correct response is to reply in a magically brief and powerful tone.
'I have Defense Against the Dark Arts class in five minutes,' and then stride away.
When cornered on the spiral staircase, you can even tell him in an icy tone.
'Mr. Creevey, your persistence is wearing thin the Savior's patience.'"
Under Harry's expression of "there's such a method," Lockhart said in an unquestionable tone.
"Harry, you must remember that every overly enthusiastic photo could become future poison.
Only when fans feel frustrated can you appropriately show your friendliness.
You want fans to feel that the idol himself is very willing to get close to them, but due to various reasons, can't really get close to them.
Even if you really do something wrong, you should make fans spontaneously defend you. When necessary, you can even plant...
Ahem, of course, it's still too early to tell you about this.
In the end, it's still that saying. celebrities must have the bearing of celebrities."
After saying this, Lockhart straightened up, resumed his elegant posture, and smoothed his violet robes.
"Now, I think we can practice how to use your nostrils to express 'I'm very busy.'"
While the dumbfounded Harry was receiving Lockhart's experience infusion, Hermione, who had been rejected by Lockhart, left the office somewhat dejectedly and returned to the Gryffindor common room.
When she saw that familiar figure with hands clasped supporting his chin, Hermione wasn't surprised.
"Professor Lockhart rejected me."
She sat down next to Sherlock and briefly recounted what had just happened.
"However, he promised me that if there's another such opportunity next time, he'll definitely ask for my help."
"Next time for sure? That's within expectations."
"You already guessed this result. Why didn't you dissuade me when I went to find Harry earlier?"
"If I had dissuaded you, would you have given up?"
Hermione thought for a moment and shook her head. "No."
After saying these two words, she couldn't help but smile and understood Sherlock's meaning.
"Speaking of which, I really am stubborn in this regard."
"That's not strange, Hermione. Actually, Gilderoy Lockhart is a very interesting person."
"Interesting?"
Hermione looked at her good friend with some confusion.
"Sherlock, could you be more specific?"
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