The system responded, "Detected: Host currently has 500,800 points, twenty exploration draws, and ten achievement draws. Would the host like to commence drawing?"
Moriarty contemplated briefly. Now that he had the leisure to participate in the lottery, perhaps he could obtain something—be it an item or a spell—that could assist Lockhart.
"Draw," he instructed, preparing to immediately store any acquired rewards in the system space.
"Ding Dong~ Congratulations to the host for acquiring: a pair of tights belonging to Nymphadora Tonks!"
A delicate, almost virginal fragrance drifted out—undeniably Tonks' scent, which Moriarty instantly recognized.
He jolted into awareness. Would Tonks realize she'd lost something so intimate?
The system continued the draw: "Congratulations to the host for obtaining: a pair of high heels once worn by Diana."
"She belongs to me, so I suppose her shoes still count as a reward," Moriarty remarked with some dissatisfaction.
As if responding to his cynicism, the system kept drawing—Narcissa's bath towel came next, followed by Lilith's socks.
The towel, wide and soft, retained faint folds that subtly hinted at Narcissa's voluptuous form. The socks were tiny and delicate, evoking an image of Lilith's dainty feet.
Both items were infused with an alluring aroma—but ultimately, they were just that: items of clothing.
Moriarty stored the growing collection of women's garments into the system space with a sigh of resignation.
He definitely couldn't leave them lying around—no!
If these were discovered by his classmates, he'd be utterly mortified.
His intention had been to draw a spell or artifact that could help Lockhart. Now, that prospect seemed increasingly unlikely.
He shook his head, muttering, "A moment of silence for Lockhart."
The system resumed:
"Congratulations to the host for acquiring six magical potions: Amortentia (Love Potion), Felix Felicis (one ounce), one vial of Draught of Living Death, Babbling Beverage, Burn-Healing Paste, and Bruise-Ease Balm.
Congratulations to the host for acquiring six spells: Disillusionment Charm, Bridge Conjuring Spell, Boggart Banishment, Broom Repair Charm, Magic Barrier, and the Curse from Marvolo Gaunt's Ring.
Congratulations to the host for acquiring two alchemical tools: Teaching Post x3 and Enchanted Thermal Socks (provides continuous warmth for 999 hours)."
"This concludes the exploration lottery. Would the host like to continue?"
Of course, the love potion had to show up.
"Forget it," Moriarty muttered. "Today's clearly not a good day for lottery draws."
He turned his focus to the new alchemical tools. "System, elaborate on the Teaching Post."
"Teaching Post: This allows the host to transfer a spell or magical technique the host has already mastered to a designated lover or servant."
Moriarty raised an eyebrow. "Define 'lover' or 'servant.' What are the criteria for qualification?"
The system elaborated: "Eligible lover candidates currently include the Ancient Elf Queen and Priestess Diana. Eligible servant: Gilderoy Lockhart."
Moriarty narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. Diana was definitely his lover, but Marcus and Old Flint had been loyal retainers since the beginning.
Their loyalty was unquestionable. Yet in the system's logic, only Lockhart met the qualifications for the Teaching Post—proof of its strict requirements.
"There must be another prerequisite," he deduced.
Sure enough, the system added, "The host must spend 100,000 points to unlock the Mind Magic: Spiritual Contract. Upon invocation, the host can mentally summon the intended recipient and forge a soul-bound contract, enabling the Teaching Post's use."
Moriarty found this arrangement convenient.
"System, redeem the Spiritual Contract spell."
"Ding Dong~ Congratulations to the host! Redemption successful. Remaining points: 400,800. Wishing the host a swift ascent to the position of ultimate mastermind."
Moriarty absorbed the new spell and mentally called out, Lockhart, Lockhart?
Far away, on Rose Street in Paris, Lockhart suddenly shot upright.
"I could've sworn I heard the young master's voice…" he murmured, glancing around the bookstore's backroom in confusion.
His sudden movement startled the president of the Thought Chronicle. They were about to host a book launch, and he feared Lockhart was having a breakdown.
"Lockhart, don't look around—I'm communicating with you through magic," Moriarty's voice echoed in his mind.
Lockhart quickly understood. Overjoyed, he eagerly agreed to sign the soul contract, becoming Moriarty's spiritual servant.
Moriarty then used one of the Teaching Posts to pass on the Water Elemental spell, Touch of Chill, to Lockhart.
Lockhart immediately felt a cool energy welling up from deep within—slowly circulating through his limbs and into his mind, like a gentle icy stream.
"This… feels incredible," Lockhart murmured with closed eyes. The sensation of magic flowing through him was physically and mentally euphoric.
Though technically a wizard, Lockhart had been capable of very few spells outside of memory charms.
One of his primary reasons for pledging allegiance to Moriarty was his desire to witness the heights of magic firsthand.
Now, resting his hands on the chair's arms, a thin frost spread across the surface. The entire room was enveloped in cold mist.
Lockhart opened his eyes, a satisfied smirk curving his lips.
He was rising toward the magical firmament.
"Come, let's head to the book launch," he said, voice brimming with confidence.
The newspaper president, elated, lifted Lockhart's previous chair with his wand and floated it behind them.
At precisely 12:00 p.m., French time, the new book Dancing with Vampires on the Eiffel Tower debuted.
York Rose Street in Paris, akin to Diagon Alley in London, was packed with eager witches and wizards.
The French, ever romantic, had planted roses of all colors—red, yellow, purple, white, black—along both sides of the street, decorating it like a vibrant ribbon.
The crowd included pure-bloods, half-bloods, commoners, Ministry officials, disguised magical creatures, and even house-elves dispatched by noble families to obtain a copy of the new novel.
Voices mingled in the air, buzzing with speculation. No matter the topic, all conversation circled back to Lockhart, the Eiffel Tower, and the vampires.
This widespread chatter clearly irritated the actual vampires in attendance.
A young vampire with jet-black hair and eyes sneered. "Why can't I just kill him? That book portrayed us as envious fools! I'll end him and show the world that no woman can resist a vampire's charm—we don't fight over them."
"My young master," a deep voice warned from a nearby shadow, "The Prince has decreed: the matter of the Quinlan family is concluded. Everyone here, including you, is to observe only—no actions are to be taken."
The young vampire fell silent.
Meanwhile, another wave of wizards arrived via Floo Powder. They were British Ministry officials dispatched by Bagnold.
The arrival of the British delegation made the French visibly uneasy.
Tensions had escalated after Lucius Malfoy's death in Marseille and Moriarty's suspected role in freezing the Eiffel Tower.
The wizards were unaware of the vampire genocide at the Marquis' estate. They only learned about Lockhart's involvement with the vampire prince from the novel.
Apparently, Dancing with Vampires at the Eiffel Tower held many hidden truths.
Lockhart noted this with satisfaction—neither side knew about the battle at the Jewish Marquis' estate.
That gave him room to maneuver.
Outside, French wizards increasingly surrounded their British counterparts.
Hostility simmered. The Brits, unnerved, began backing away until they were huddled back-to-back—realizing too late that they were surrounded.
Lockhart knew the moment had come.
He stepped boldly out of the bookstore.
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