Standing on the dazzling golden stage, Harry held up the sleek, silver-glowing "glasses" in his hand, subtle magic runes flickering like breathing.
"Are you all very curious how I did it?"
Harry's voice clearly reached every corner of the Great Hall.
"Thanks to Lucien's help and invention, I want to introduce everyone to this 'Virtual Eye'."
Harry held it high, allowing as many young wizards in the Great Hall as possible to see it.
"Are you still troubled by the stagnation of Defense Against the Dark Arts? Are you confused by the clumsiness in casting spells?"
Harry's tone was full of incitement.
"We all wish we had a teacher who could guide us at any time. With the 'Virtual Eye', you will be able to duel a virtual opponent at any time. It can record your movements, analyze the flaws in your spells, and even simulate the most famous dueling scenes, allowing you to spar with historical masters across time and space…"
"Purchase during the promotional period and receive a free set of Defense Against the Dark Arts tutorials. First come, first served…"
Lockhart, standing by, could only describe his mood as a mix of emotions.
He felt that Harry's enthusiasm for advertising and promoting products was somewhat similar to his own.
Oh no, Harry had already usurped his position during the new book signing in the summer.
Lockhart felt a bitter taste just thinking about it. The Savior's fame meant any casual action could attract public attention and news reports.
While envying Harry's fame, Lockhart became even more determined in his conspiracy with Tom.
Watching Harry's performance, Lucien nodded slightly. Not bad—this advertisement was getting more and more skillful.
At least he recited his lines more smoothly, and his face didn't turn red anymore. Very good, very good.
After the new Broomstick's final version was complete, he'd make a trip out to update the products in the shops outside.
After Harry's promotion, the entire Great Hall instantly erupted into a clamor.
The young wizards' faces were filled with surprise and longing. Although they hadn't tried the Virtual Eye's effects, Harry and Malfoy's duel just now was the best advertisement!
Who wouldn't want to perform such brilliant moves?
Except for a few specific Charms, the young wizards knew more or less the other Charms Harry and Malfoy had used, but they couldn't use them as naturally and smoothly, nor could they use the right magic at the necessary moment.
There was also a crucial point: if the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor at Hogwarts was "normal," their enthusiasm and desire for the Virtual Eye wouldn't be so great; at most, it would be a toy or an added bonus.
But… many young wizards secretly glanced at Lockhart. The image of Lockhart being knocked flying by Snape's single Expelliarmus was still vivid in their minds.
Come on, the official Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor defeated by the Potions Professor?
Is this really right?
Some young wizards already harbored deep suspicions in their hearts. Before, they had just thought Lockhart didn't like to easily show off his skills, but after he showed a hand tonight, it seemed more like he was exposed.
"The Virtual Eye sounds great. Are you going to buy it? They just said there's a discount for group purchases!"
"If you buy it, it's like I bought it. Buying an extra one is a waste."
"How exactly does Lucien make these magic items? Don't we take the same classes normally?"
"Speaking of which, Lucien has really invented so many strange and wonderful gadgets! Do you think I could ask him to customize some things?"
"What, you want to customize a potion that makes others fall in love with you?"
"Yes, once I get it, you'll be the first one I use it on…"
Harry looked at the boiling crowd and knew that the "advertising mission" Lucien had given him was successfully completed.
On the other side, Malfoy, who had walked off the stage, still felt annoyed. Although his Slytherin classmates didn't blame him for losing, they praised him instead.
Most of the young wizards gathered around him were from first to third year. After seeing Malfoy's performance, they admitted they couldn't have done better.
Slytherin is very realistic, pursuing glory and power, wanting to become strong, and submitting to the strong.
Malfoy glanced at Harry on the stage and couldn't help but feel irritated. If he had won just now, he would be the one in the limelight!
...
The Dueling Club truly ignited the young wizards' enthusiasm.
Discussions about dueling and Harry and Malfoy's magical performance that night could often be heard.
Some young wizards also pressed Lockhart about when the next Dueling Club would be held and were disappointed to learn it would only be held a second time before the Christmas holiday.
However, now there was more than just the club as an avenue. Many students had been going to the Seventh Workshop these days to ask the twins about the Virtual Eye's release date, eager to try practicing Defense Against the Dark Arts and dueling skills.
Harry, who had just returned from the library, had a terrible headache because… "Harry, do you have any other thoughts on your dueling victory? Who has helped you the most in learning magic? What is your most proficient or favorite magic…"
Colin Creevey, the Gryffindor freshman who loved taking photos and Harry's number one fan, was currently holding a small notebook and quill, looking eagerly at Harry.
This barrage of questions gave Harry a huge headache. Colin had also been attacked a few days ago, petrified and then found and sent to the Hospital Wing. Fortunately, the Mandrake provided by Lucien had made plenty of antidote, and Colin woke up that night.
According to Colin's own recollection, he was taking pictures in the castle as usual when he suddenly stiffened all over and lost consciousness.
The Headmaster and Professors had hoped Colin's camera might have captured the attacker's true face, but unfortunately, all the film was destroyed, and the camera itself was damaged to some extent. Even a repair Charm couldn't fix it immediately.
"Colin, you were petrified and then woke up. Is there anything uncomfortable about your body?"
Harry tried to divert Colin's attention.
But Colin shook his head, full of energy instead:
"No, Madam Pomfrey insisted that I wasn't well and made me lie in bed for several days. It didn't matter if I missed classes, but the key was that I missed the Dueling Club and your amazing performance, Harry. Otherwise, I definitely would have taken several sets of photos. Oh, I forgot, my camera isn't fixed yet…"
"Even more regrettable is not having photographed the attacker who can petrify people. Otherwise, I really want to send it back for my dad to see. The magical world is truly amazing!"
Lucien, who had been silently observing from the side, heard Colin's words and really wanted to retort: What a filial son.
He wasn't even afraid of being attacked and petrified; instead, he wanted to take photos and send them to his dad. Fortunately, the Basilisk's eyes directly destroyed the film. Otherwise… Hmm, speaking of which, if he could find a way to record the Basilisk's eyes, could it have a similar effect?
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