71 Lockhart × Snape

[Agustus Peverell POV]

We're facing a minor problem today. Our first class is Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Lockhart, eager to impress, has chosen to lecture on the Patronus Charm. However, things didn't go well for our favorite professor. He failed to cast the charm himself. Well overestimating himself is one of is true ability.

Embarrassed, Lockhart resorted to distributing a questionnaire based on his books. Supposedly, these books hold the key to defeating werewolves and vampires effortlessly, but only if we study them diligently.

After completing the questionnaire, I found myself lost in thought. Today, I planned to visit the basilisk myself. I dont want to hurt that beautiful snake; it would make a fine pet for Luna.

As I drifted in my thoughts, Lockhart decided to review the papers in front of the class, a move I wouldn't recommend. He read each answer aloud, praising the girls who answered correctly and scolding the boys who didn't. Eventually, it was my turn.

"Oh, Heir Peverell, it seems you've read my books, as you've answered every question. Well done, as expected of an excellent student like you. Perhaps one day, you could become a powerful wizard like me," he said, flashing his trademark smile.

"Hmm, let's see if they're correct," he continued, flipping through the pages. "But I expect they are, after all, it's Agustus."

Control. Control. Control.

"What is Gildroy Lockhart's favorite color? Black, because he's in love with Professor Snape!"

He turned the page and read the second question.

"What is Gildroy Lockhart's secret ambition? To kiss Professor Snape's ass and give him, well, you get the idea."

"What is Gildroy Lockhart's biggest achievement? Sniffing Professor Snape's underwear daily after class!"

With Each answer his face becane more red, every answer seemed to revolve around the love of Lockhart and Snape and about their sexual feats together. The girls glared at me, but I sensed respect from the boys it didn't matter they were from Ravenclaw.

"What is this nonsense! This is a serious class, and you're making fun of me, an Order of Merlin winner! Ten points from Slytherin!" Lockhart exclaimed, his hair perfectly styled. I had to give it to him; he was shameless.

I stood up, causing him to flinch. I suppose he's heard of me. This made it easier. I glared at him, and he returned the look. For a few seconds, we engaged in our silent competition until I summoned around 20 balloons behind him and popped them simultaneously.

"Kyaaaaaa!" he screamed, running into the wall and losing consciousness. The entire class erupted in laughter, except for a few girls who rushed to assist their 'charming' professor.

After that, nothing much happened. Lockhart was escorted to the infirmary, and the incident became common knowledge.

Sitting at the table with Astoria on my left and Daphne on my right, this had been our routine since the last dinner. The younger sister always insisted on eating together.

"You overdid it!" Daphne remarked from my side.

"No, he didn't. He did the right thing by exposing that fraud," Astoria retorted from the other side.

The debate continued between sisters, but the most praise came from the twins, who saluted me.

[End of POV]

[Hermione Granger POV]

Hogwarts had just begun, and once again, trouble brewed courtesy of that boy. Poor Professor Lockhart bore the brunt this time. Why bully a professor?

I knew I had to talk to him. Agustus was undoubtedly a strong wizard, but Professor Lockhart ranked among the top 10 greatest wizards of the century. He even held an Order of Merlin award. I understood why the professor didn't retaliate. When one becomes as powerful as him, they might view Agustus's actions as mere child's play. He was likely apprehensive about harming a student, hence refraining from using his power.

I made my way to the infirmary with blue lily flowers – his favorite. These flowers symbolized his heroic deeds in Romania, where he saved the entire country from hundreds of werewolves and vampires. A little girl he rescued had given him these flowers, and they became his favorite ever since.

Upon arrival, I noticed a group of girls huddled outside the infirmary gates. They were probably there because they admired his appearance. Most of them likely hadn't even read his remarkable books. How did I know? Well, they were carrying roses and various other flowers, not a single blue lily among them.

I reached the infirmary only to find Madam Pomfrey shooing the girls away. I was too late. And I wouldn't be able to see him today. All because of that damned boy!

I rushed to the Great Hall, determined to give him a piece of my mind. Upon arrival, I saw him having lunch with Daphne Greengrass and her little sister.

He was feeding both girls with his hands! I couldn't fathom why seeing him like this angered me even more. I walked over to the Slytherin table and sat down in front of him.

Both girls glared at me, while Astoria practically growled.

He looked up at me, seemingly confused, as if he hadn't just pranked one of the greatest wizards alive.

"Why? Why did you prank Professor Lockhart? And that questionnaire – you went too far," I said, seething with anger.

A look of realization crossed his face as he smiled innocently at me and said, "You don't understand what I've endured! I battled my demons endlessly, struggled through great storms, and still have nightmares to this day. I vanquished them all with great struggle to come here." He looked like the most innocent person in the world. Both girls regarded him with pity – Astoria hugged her left hand while Daphne leaned against him. What did it all mean, anyway?

Stunned by his response, I was interrupted by someone from my side. "That's a great story," she said. Wasn't her name Luna? And why was she wearing those radishes?

I... What do I do now?

[POV end]

[Agustus POV]

Messing with Hermione was great, but the girl needs to get over that stuck-up mentality. It's ruining her potential to be a great witch. Believing those novels as truth, without any proof, is just ridiculous, especially for someone who's supposed to be one of the greatest minds of this generation!

"When I said he's a faker, I meant it. I would've crippled him if we were alone." That's what I told her, and since then, she's stopped talking to me. Meh, she'll come around eventually.

Lockhart emerged from the infirmary after three days of rest. I decided to skip all Defense Against the Dark Arts classes afterward. I didn't want to test my control again.

Days passed, and I procrastinated dealing with the whole big snake in the school thing. I mean, it's just a harmless little fella.

Soon, Halloween arrived, and despite ignoring the snake incident, I found myself more excited to see the little tigress, Luna "Meow" Lovegood.

[POV end]

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Gimme stones or you would dream about Lockhart × Snape's bedroom every night.