That single gasp was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, instantly sending ripples across the entire room.
The next second, a thunderous wave of voices erupted throughout the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.
Students jumped to their feet.
Every pair of eyes turned toward the thin figure still standing quietly in the corner.
Their expressions were filled with fervor and awe.
Cheers broke out as if they had just won the Quidditch World Cup.
Harry clapped enthusiastically among the crowd.
Ron stood there with his mouth still hanging open, muttering to himself.
"I… I take back everything I said before… He's… he's basically not human…"
Hermione didn't clap.
She simply stood there, frozen, clutching the edge of her robes tightly.
The ashes left behind after her idolized image of Lockhart shattered were now completely swept away by a far brighter flame.
She stared at Lucian Thornwick.
Her cheeks flushed red with excitement, pride shining in her eyes.
How had she forgotten?
The person truly worthy of admiration and following had been right beside her all along.
At the classroom door, Lockhart listened to the applause that should have belonged to him.
He looked at the boy the students were now worshipping like some kind of magical prodigy.
His face shifted between green and white like a spilled paint palette.
He had spent his entire life building his reputation through lies and Memory Charms.
And now it looked ridiculous.
Fragile.
Lucian had obtained everything he had dreamed of—
genuine admiration and respect—without even trying.
Lockhart couldn't understand what had just happened.
What kind of magic was that?
That command where words became reality… that overwhelming authority that made chaotic creatures submit instantly…
It was far beyond his comprehension.
In that moment, he realized something terrifying.
The gap between him and Lucian was greater than the gap between a troll and a house-elf.
"C-class dismissed!"
Lockhart forced the words through clenched teeth.
His voice was hoarse and trembling.
He didn't dare stay another second.
Scooping up the ridiculous wig from the floor, he shoved it back onto his thinning head and prepared to flee.
But jealousy—and shameless greed—stopped him.
A ridiculous idea suddenly sprouted in his mind.
If… if I could learn how that spell works… and say I taught it… or even claim I invented it…
Once the thought appeared, it grew wildly like a creeping vine.
Taking a deep breath, Lockhart forced a smile onto his face—one even uglier than crying.
He walked toward Lucian, who was calmly packing his bag.
"Oh, Lucian, my dear boy!"
Lockhart's voice dripped with fake warmth as he rubbed his hands together like a sycophantic merchant.
"That display just now was… absolutely marvelous! Truly eye-opening!"
"It even reminded me of when I dealt with those vampires in Transylvania!"
He showered Lucian with exaggerated praise, trying to close the distance between them.
Lucian didn't even lift his eyelids.
He simply placed the final book into his bag.
Lockhart's smile stiffened, but he pushed on.
"That spell you used just now—the one that made the pixies obey—it was extraordinary!"
"It must be a highly advanced group Obedience Charm, right?"
"I can tell! You must have improved it after reading my Travels with Trolls—inspired by my work, no doubt!"
"Well done! That's the spirit students should have!"
As he spoke, he secretly congratulated himself.
Not only had he found a "reasonable explanation" for Lucian's magic—
He had also subtly claimed the credit for teaching it.
As long as Lucian showed the slightest agreement, Lockhart was confident he could twist the story into his own achievement.
But the only response he received…
It was silent.
Lucian had finished packing his bag and slung it over his shoulder.
He was ready to leave.
From beginning to end, he hadn't looked at Lockhart even once.
It was as if the man—and his endless chatter—simply didn't exist.
Lockhart grew anxious.
He stepped forward and blocked Lucian's path, refusing to give up.
"Come now, boy, tell me! How did you do it?"
"If you explain the principle, I can give you something special! My signed photos—an entire set! I could even make you my assistant!"
He offered what he believed was an irresistible reward.
Lucian merely turned his head slightly.
His gaze passed over Lockhart's shoulder and settled on the classroom door.
Then he walked forward.
Straight past Lockhart.
No hesitation.
No reply.
Not even the faintest acknowledgment.
Complete. Absolute. Utter disregard.
Lockhart stood there with his hand still extended.
The flattering smile froze on his face.
He remained rooted in place like a ridiculous clown—
One completely forgotten by the world.
~~--------------------------
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