The news that Gilderoy Lockhart had been attacked and turned into a statue spread quickly across all four Houses of Hogwarts.
Many young witches and wizards rushed to the Hospital Wing to see the "statue" lying on the bed.
After all, in their eyes, Professor Lockhart was not as superficial or undeserving as he once seemed.
After the first round of the [Live Broadcast Q&A System], Lockhart had shown a surprisingly capable side.
Not only did he carefully explain the knowledge from the books, but he also taught them how to use the Shield Charm.
Because of this, the students' understanding of the Shield Charm was far better than their understanding of most other spells.
As a result, Lockhart's popularity rose even higher than before.
So when everyone heard that he had entered the Chamber of Secrets to protect Harry and the others, fighting the mastermind behind the recent terror at Hogwarts and ending up in such a state, admiration for him naturally followed.
At the same time, the fame of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger also increased.
According to rumors, Harry and Hermione had discovered the Chamber of Secrets and informed Lockhart after entering it.
Inside, relying on Harry's bravery and Hermione's intelligence, they managed to hold out until Lockhart arrived.
However, even as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Lockhart was ultimately outmatched by the mastermind. He was struck by Dark Magic and turned into a statue before Albus Dumbledore could arrive.
It was a tragic outcome.
When Harry and Hermione entered the classroom, they were met with curious looks from all directions, along with a resentful glare from Ron Weasley.
Harry felt his scalp tingle.
The previous night had been different. They had returned late, and Ron had already fallen asleep, so he knew nothing about what had happened.
Now, however, Ron had heard several versions of the story through rumors.
From the look in his eyes, it was clear how he felt.
Ignoring the various gazes, Harry sat beside Ron, while Hermione took her seat next to Harry as if nothing had happened.
Unlike Harry, Hermione appeared completely unconcerned about others' opinions.
Compared to gossip, the magical knowledge from another world interested her far more.
Recently, she had been deeply absorbed in studying.
Even now, she was holding a book on basic magical patterns and reading it with great focus.
"I cannot believe you did not take me with you."
"Harry, I really misjudged you."
Faced with Ron's resentful tone and gloomy expression, Harry felt helpless.
"Listen to me explain."
"Ron, it was not that I did not want to bring you. The situation was sudden, and what Hermione and I encountered happened too quickly."
As Harry tried to explain while others listened in, footsteps suddenly drew everyone's attention.
Even Harry paused.
Hermione only glanced up briefly before returning to her book.
Everyone turned toward the classroom door, whispering among themselves.
This was Defense Against the Dark Arts, yet their professor was currently lying in the Hospital Wing as a statue.
There was no way Lockhart would walk in smiling and tell them to study on their own.
Naturally, everyone was curious about who the substitute professor would be.
This was the first lesson with the replacement Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
Amid the curious and expectant gazes, a figure in flowing black robes strode into the classroom.
The moment they saw who it was, the atmosphere changed.
It was as if a great terror had entered the room.
Severus Snape walked forward with long strides.
"Good, I assume no one will be late for this class, especially now that I am teaching it."
"I believe no one here understands Defense Against the Dark Arts better than I do, particularly your Professor Lockhart."
"Since Lockhart has become a statue and is unable to teach, Dumbledore has entrusted me to take over this class until he recovers."
Snape stopped in the center of the classroom and looked at the students.
"So why are your books not open?"
"Do you think that just because your professor has turned into a statue, you do not need to attend class?"
"Look at Potter, your so-called savior who discovered the Chamber of Secrets and exposed the culprit, yet he has not even opened his book. Does he think that a few experiences are enough for him to handle Dark Magic?"
Snape's sarcasm made Harry's hands tremble.
And in truth, Snape was correct about one thing.
Harry did not want to attend this class at all.
If he had the choice, he would rather be flying on his broomstick under the open sky than sitting here listening to Snape's cutting remarks.
The surrounding students looked at Harry with complicated expressions.
Snape was still Snape. He had not changed at all.
As long as Harry was present, he would be the first target.
No one knew what Harry had done to provoke such relentless hostility.
However, with Snape standing there, no one dared to whisper.
They had no desire to attract his attention.
As Snape continued his verbal assault, Harry stood there with no way to respond.
Around him, students pretended to look at the ceiling as if something interesting was there.
Hermione kept her eyes on her book, trying to appear calm, but the slight trembling of her body gave her away.
As someone who had witnessed the events of the previous day, she knew Snape was deliberately targeting Harry.
For once, Ron did not defend Harry.
Partly because he was still upset, and partly because he did not dare to oppose Snape.
For now, Harry would have to handle this on his own.
...
📢 Author's Note
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