Ian, of course, had never seen Gilderoy Lockhart before today.
However, as this guy is a particularly famous star in the wizarding world, Ian has inadvertently seen his posters more than once, whether in Diagon Alley's bookstores or elsewhere.
It's really hard to pretend not to recognize him.
Perhaps many parts of the wizarding world lag behind the Muggle development, but when it comes to idolizing celebrities, they've certainly not fallen behind in the slightest. Gilderoy Lockhart himself also knows well how to spend money to buy himself popularity.
Even on some snack packaging, there are co-branded editions featuring Gilderoy Lockhart, which makes him the hotshot of fame, decades ahead of any other icon!
If viewed from this angle.
Gilderoy Lockhart is also a genius, isn't he? If he wasn't a wizard, he would probably be able to play up some cutting-edge tricks in various media companies in the Muggle world.
Unfortunately... as a wizard, Gilderoy Lockhart clearly picked the wrong talent. Ian really finds it hard to imagine how an adult wizard could end up "solo-killed" by a few second-year little wizards.
If one were to choose the least popular professor in Hogwarts history, even someone as notorious as Severus Snape might not make it to the top three.
But to pick the most incompetent professor in Hogwarts history, Gilderoy Lockhart is definitely the undisputed king in this category, unmatched by anyone.
"Oh, my God, you are Master Gilderoy Lockhart! How could I meet you here? I must be dreaming! Maybe it has to do with me just seeing your book a few days ago!" Ian was a bit shocked and tongue-in-cheek inside, but he quickly reacted and showcased his on-the-spot acting.
Such exaggerated acting might get him heavily criticized by Snape, but in dealing with a narcissist like Master Gilderoy Lockhart, Ian felt he hit the spot perfectly.
Sure enough, Gilderoy Lockhart's smile grew even wider, "Oh, so you're a fan of mine. I believe I have a pen with me, I can give you a limited edition autograph."
Saying this, he really started rummaging through his robe, as if he had forgotten where the autograph pen was, and after quite some time, he finally fished out a rather flamboyant autograph pen from the seam of the lining.
Not only was the pen glittering with gold, but it was also embedded with numerous dazzling little gemstones. It was unclear if it was uncomfortable to hold, but it was clearly a pen that likely cost more than Ian's net worth.
"Found it! Haha! That's just like me!"
Gilderoy Lockhart held the pen with both hands, and with that radiant expression, anyone who didn't know would have thought he just accomplished something incredible.
"Oh! He's still so childish! So charming!"
To Madam Pince, who might have placed her hands over her chest not far away, feeling like she had become half a century younger, this was the unique and charming charisma of Gilderoy Lockhart.
But in Ian's eyes.
He couldn't help but see it all as quite comical.
No choice.
Gilderoy Lockhart.
In public, he's an internationally renowned author, a Merlin Order Level 3 Medal recipient, an honorary member of the Anti Dark Arts Alliance, and a five-time winner of Wizard Weekly's Most Charming Smile award.
This naturally makes most people look at him through rose-tinted glasses. Otherwise, based on Lockhart's antics that should have become apparent in over two years, how could they not see through the fact that he's a phony? Many of his fans feel his blunders are just jokes to lighten the mood.
Only a few professors can see through the pretense. This is the powerful IQ-lowering effect of fan filters, far stronger than the "mind deposit" spell.
And as Ian, who knew the truth about this guy, it's nearly impossible not to see him as a clown—after all, Gilderoy Lockhart's so-called adventures in his books and words are actually disgracefully stolen from others' experiences. One could say the only admirable talents he possesses are twofold.
His outstanding eloquence and marketing intelligence.
And... perhaps even Dumbledore would find it difficult to understand his "talent reset and realignment" ability.
"I can't believe I could get your autograph! Oh! Merlin bless me!" No matter what Ian thought inside, he had to maintain this facade.
After all, Gilderoy Lockhart is famously petty, and if he irrationally decided to sabotage you, his methods would be far more vexing than even Snape's.
"Where shall I sign? On this book? You lucky lad, indeed!" Gilderoy Lockhart was all set to sign on the "Alchemy Decrypted: The Connection Between All Things" in Ian's hand. Fortunately, Ian was quick enough to evade, thus preventing an ancient artifact from meeting its doom.
Though he was curious to see what Madam Pince, a book lover, would do if her perfect idol desecrated a book—would she choose the book or her idol? Ultimately, he suppressed his curiosity and pulled out a piece of the Living Map he always carried in his robe.
"Sign here! This parchment is unique to me! I don't want to share your autograph with other students!" Ian even found a reasonable excuse for his evasive action.