Her tone was full of emotion, and her expression was somewhat astonished, because she realized that her words had just fallen when Ian put both money bags back into his robe.
The speed was particularly fast.
It was dazzling.
"You don't know how hard I've been studying where you can't see!" Ian prepared to establish his image as a diligent and hardworking student in front of his classmates.
However.
Gilderoy Lockhart arrived inappropriately.
"Good afternoon, everyone."
Gilderoy Lockhart's voice was loud, and in Ian's eyes, this rather self-important and extremely narcissistic wizard did appear quite imposing when he entered the classroom with an ornate wand.
Elegant, composed, confident, and with a demeanor that was quite extraordinary. Just upon meeting him, many Little Witches let out the kind of screams Ian had only seen from fans.
"Lockhart! It's really him!"
"Oh my! My mom really likes him!"
"I've heard he saved a lot of people! He's practically a hero second only to Harry Potter! Thanks to Merlin! And thanks to that deceased Professor whoever!"
...
Not just the Little Witches.
Some Little Warlocks also looked excited and worshipful. After all, as a well-known adventurer and writer in the Wizarding World, Gilderoy Lockhart was a top icon in the entertainment-starved Wizarding Circle.
"Very well, everyone seems very enthusiastic, this is exactly the scene I hoped to see." Gilderoy Lockhart's smile was bright, and his inner emotions were completely unmasked.
Of course.
It could also be that he didn't have the ability to conceal them. Anyway, Ian perceived clearly that this person was filled with confidence, ostentation, and anticipation for the upcoming "performance."
"Able to promote oneself in front of the Little Wizards, Lockhart would surely be delighted to put on his best act, using others' experiences and honors to adorn himself."
Ian wasn't surprised by Gilderoy Lockhart's current mindset, as such emotional fluctuation truly fit his understanding of Lockhart himself. Even just on the surface, this guy's every action seemed to silently say—look, I'm the Great Wizard you've been eagerly waiting for.
Such perception undoubtedly deepened his comedic yet exaggerated image in Ian's mind.
"To be honest, before Dumbledore's invitation, I never thought that one day I would become a professor at the academy." Lockhart walked to the podium and stopped, elegantly rested his wand lightly on the edge, then scanned the classroom with a charming smile.
"This evidently is an opportunity for me... a chance to change jobs and experience some fresh vitality." Gilderoy Lockhart's eyes, meticulously styled under his coiffed hair, swept over his audience as if assessing them, ensuring every pair of eyes was focused on him.
"I must say, your headmaster really has a keen eye. Believe me, no one is more suited for this position than I am... I am truly knowledgeable about the Dark Arts, yes, I think Dumbledore can attest to that." With a smile, Gilderoy Lockhart displayed an air of "no one knows the Dark Arts better than I do."
Ian still hadn't reacted.
Standing next to him, Michael already pursed his lips, muttering pretentious. It was clear Brother Xiao Hei, unlike William, wasn't that fond of Gilderoy Lockhart.
"Professor, without desks and chairs, are we supposed to hold our books and stand during class today?" A Little Wizard raised his hand, questioning Gilderoy Lockhart, who was in the midst of self-promotion.
"Close your books, put them aside, we won't need those things. I specifically had the desks and chairs removed to show you that my class is a practical one."
"Not just today, in every class hereafter you won't need to bring that ridiculous self-defense guide... perhaps, if I'm in the mood, I might write something new for you."
"Of course, when that will be depends on my mood."
Gilderoy Lockhart was perhaps laying the groundwork to sell his books, who knows? He was now showing blatant disdain for the Hogwarts textbooks.
Ian raised his hand.
"How do we practice?"
He was a bit concerned that Gilderoy Lockhart might want the first-year Little Wizards to start dueling in the classroom, prematurely forming that possibly short-lived duel club.
"I remember you, kid, Ian Prince, right? Hope my recommendation last night helped you solve the problem." Gilderoy Lockhart called out Ian's name directly.
He might have stayed up late memorizing each Little Wizard's name. Seeing Ian nod in gratitude, his smile became even more radiant and sunny.
"Practice naturally requires confrontation... theory is always the simplest part of this lesson, you can entirely study it yourselves after class, no need to occupy our precious interaction time."
Sure enough.
Ian had a bad feeling.
Gilderoy Lockhart continued expounding his concepts, "In fact, whether it's Magic Potion, Magic Spell, Transformation Class, Astronomy Class or even Herbology Class, these courses are all the prerequisites for our class. You only need to attend them properly to naturally have the basic qualifications for studying Defense Against the Dark Arts."