I woke up in the morning in an unfamiliar place. For a moment my instincts flared, before I regained my memory and remembered where I was. I relaxed again atop my comfortable bed. It wasn't my love for dawn or its breeze that woke me, but necessity. I got out of bed, dressed—nothing fancy; just something comfortable. I put on my cloak and headed toward the Great Hall.
As I walked through the corridors, I began to truly notice the beauty of the place. The hallways and the pictures adorning the ancient walls gave the castle an old yet warm atmosphere... like an old grandparents' house, full of things time had forgotten, but somehow more comforting than your own home.
I reached the door of the Great Hall. I pushed the heavy door open and stepped inside to find Professor McGonagall sitting upright at the teachers' table, her gaze focused ahead, and beside her Professor Flitwick flipping small papers between his hands.
I put on my usual smile—the one I know some people can't stand, but it's what I've got—and stepped forward, saying:
"Good morning, Professor McGonagall... Professor Flitwick. A pleasure to meet you both. By the way, where are the others?"
McGonagall raised her eyes toward me and replied in a formal tone:
"Good morning, Professor Lockhart. The rest of the staff are busy with preparations for receiving the students tonight."
Flitwick added in his sharp voice, smiling kindly at me:
"Yes, we are preparing for their arrival this evening. A long day awaits us."
I smiled and sat down beside them, took a quick look around the Great Hall, then said confidently:
"Indeed, of course... and I'm sure I'll dazzle the students today, especially my fans. Nothing pleases me more than seeing their eyes shine as they discover how much of an expert I am."
McGonagall and Flitwick exchanged a brief glance, as if silently evaluating what I'd said. Then McGonagall spoke in a serious tone:
"What matters is that the students learn something useful
I nodded, still keeping my smile:
"Of course, Professor McGonagall. Undoubtedly, it will be an unforgettable year."
We exchanged some brief polite conversation, then each of us became occupied with our breakfasts and thoughts of that day's tasks. The Great Hall stayed quiet, while morning light filtered through the tall windows.
Time Skip
Finally, evening arrived.
The Great Hall gradually filled with the sounds of students streaming in, filling the place with excitement and noise the castle hadn't heard in months. Floating candles cast a warm, soft glow, reflecting off the high ceiling adorned with evening stars, and the shiny, empty plates on the tables.
I took my seat at the teachers' table, trying to appear calm and confident. My eyes roamed over the small faces filled with anticipation, anxiety, and curiosity. Near the door stood Professor McGonagall, stern-featured, holding her magical hat, her face a mixture of seriousness and dignity as usual.
Then a long line of first-year students entered behind her, looking lost amid the grandeur and vastness of the hall. Some lifted their heads to gaze at the enchanted ceiling in amazement, while others stared at the four house tables in awe.
McGonagall placed the old, tattered hat carefully on the four-legged stool in the center of the hall. As soon as it touched the seat, its narrow slit at the brim opened, and a hoarse voice emerged:
"Oh, yes… a new year… new minds to examine… let us begin."
The old hat sang its annual song, about Gryffindor's courage, Hufflepuff's loyalty, Ravenclaw's wisdom, and Slytherin's ambition. Then silence fell over the hall as McGonagall laid out the long list on the platform and raised her voice:
She produced a scroll and began calling names:
"Eleanor Brooke!"
A small girl with brown braids stepped forward, sat down hesitantly under the hat that covered her eyes, and within moments the hat proclaimed:
"Ravenclaw!"
The blue table erupted into applause, and Eleanor leapt to join her new housemates.
"Thomas Kershaw!"
A thin, pale boy stepped forward, sat on the seat, and after a few seconds the hat announced:
"Hufflepuff!"
The yellow table cheered warmly, and its students waved joyfully to him.
"Marco Fletcher!"
The boy who seemed confident took his seat, the hat paused thoughtfully, then shouted:
"Slytherin!"
The green table clapped and some of its students whistled welcome.
"Lisa Woodford!"
As soon as the hat touched the girl's head, it declared without hesitation:
"Gryffindor!"
The red table burst into cheers and applause.
The sorting continued in this way: each student took their place, each house welcomed its new members with open arms.
After the last name, Professor McGonagall rolled up the scroll, carried the hat away, and quiet returned to the hall, everyone awaiting the Headmaster's words.
Albus Dumbledore stood from his seat, his calm face and sparkling eyes behind his half-moon glasses. He raised his arms slightly and said in a resonant voice:
"Welcome, everyone, to Hogwarts! A new year begins tonight, and the castle's doors are open to your minds and hearts. I would like to welcome a new face to our faculty… Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
Many students looked at Lockhart while polite applause resonated throughout the hall, accompanied by whispers and excited smiles, especially from the girls of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw.
Lockhart flashed his wide smile and raised his hand to greet the audience in a scene he knew well.
Then Dumbledore continued with a broad grin:
"And now that the formalities are over... let the feast begin!"
Immediately, delicious dishes appeared on silver platters: roast chicken, beef, kidney pies, trays full of vegetables, and pitchers of pumpkin juice.
Time Skip
I sat at my desk inside the classroom, waiting for the first lesson to begin. The room was silent, the desks neatly arranged, the chalkboard clean. I took a quick look at my lesson plan. My goal wasn't to fill the time with empty words, but to deliver something of real value.
My gaze turned toward the door, waiting for the students to enter. I knew most of them imagined a certain image of me—the arrogant teacher they recognized from book covers—but reality would be different.
I placed my hand firmly on the desk and rehearsed in my mind:
"It's time to begin."
The students entered one by one, whispering and shooting curious glances. They sat in their seats hesitantly, and once hushed I stood before them, smiling my usual smile, and said in a clear, steady voice:
"Hello, students. I assume you know me; and if you don't know me, I'm Gilderoy Lockhart, author of famous stories, crime fighter, monster fighter, and recipient of the Third-Class Order of Merlin."
I paused to observe their eager faces, then continued in a serious tone:
"Today, we won't be content with theory. My aim is to teach you how to face danger and defend yourselves. This class will not be like any ordinary Hogwarts lesson."
I stepped forward and looked at them all:
"If anyone has any questions, ask now before I begin the lesson. And let me assure you: this lesson is practical, not theoretical."
Silence fell, some faces showed excitement, others anxiety.
A girl from Ravenclaw raised her hand, and I smiled, that familiar smile I often hide behind, and looked at her calmly.
I said in a clear, friendly tone:
"Yes, go ahead... what's your name and your question?"
She answered with curiosity in her tone:
"My name is Selena Mathroid, Professor... and I wanted to ask: why are all fourth- and fifth-year students here together? Aren't lessons supposed to be divided into different times, or at least in four groups?"
I stepped forward, looked over all the students, then replied in a calm but firm tone:
"Good question, Miss Mathroid, and thank you for asking it. I requested to combine the fourth- and fifth-year lessons, as I did with the other years, because my method is different. You are now in the second stage of Defense Against the Dark Arts training, where you will learn how to fight dark creatures and counter simple dark magic. You need this experience together, because real danger doesn't come to you alone, but in groups, and cooperation is a strength... you'll understand why as the lessons progress."
I paused, then looked at them all:
"Is there another question before we begin?"
A Slytherin boy raised his hand.
I lifted an eyebrow in interest and indicated him.
In a clear voice I said:
"Yes, go ahead... your name and question?"
The boy said:
"My name is Karol Madvanz, Professor. You said we are now in the second stage, but we haven't taken the first stage yet, right?"
I smiled broadly—this time genuinely—and nodded appreciatively.
"Excellent question, Karol; five points to Slytherin."
I stepped forward and said, looking at all the students:
"And the answer is: you will receive the first stage concurrently with the second, combining theory lessons on caution and survival with practical training in fighting dark creatures and basic dark magic. As for sixth- and seventh-year students, they will receive all three stages together, because time waits for no one, and neither does danger."
Then I looked at the class as a whole, my voice firm:
"Now... any other questions before we start our practical lesson?"
A Ravenclaw girl raised her hand.
"Yes, go ahead. Your name and question?"
The girl spoke lightly confident:
"I'm Madonna Simara from Ravenclaw, Professor. My question: how will we take stage one and two together? And is it really possible for sixth- and seventh-year students to study all three stages?"
I smiled my distinctive smile—the one I know confuses some—and said:
"Excellent question, Miss Simara! Five points to Ravenclaw."
Then I looked at everyone, my eyes shining with some excitement:
"And the answer is simply... magic."
A pause. Then I continued:
"I have enchanted this room so that time passes here at double speed compared to the outside world. That means one hour here equals just half an hour outside. That way, we get enough time to cover the stages without wasting a moment."
Then I added reassuringly:
"As for mental fatigue from intensive study, there's no need to worry... I've enchanted the room so you don't feel tired or exhausted."
As soon as I finished speaking, murmurs echoed in the class, raised hands from all directions. Signs of surprise showed on the students, especially those glancing at walls and clock anxiously. One asked loudly:
"Time magic?! How is that possible? Isn't that complicated and dangerous?"
Another, staring at me with wide eyes, said:
"Does the Ministry allow that? I've heard dealing with time is monitored closely!"
Small whispers and murmurs spread until the room felt a bit chaotic, each trying to grasp what they'd just heard.
I raised my hand to call for calm, smiled confidently, and said:
"Calm down, calm down... everything is under control. You are in safe hands."
"To your question—yes it's possible—and I've done it already, as you see."
Silence for a moment, some hesitant whispers, before I raised my hand gently and continued:
"As for whether the Ministry allows this kind of magic... well, first, it isn't under the Ministry's jurisdiction. The Ministry has no right to control a certain type of magic. Whoever can perform the magic can do as much as they want, as long as it is not dark magic."
I looked around and added:
"And the Ministry can't object or even speak about it as long as it doesn't violate dark magic laws."
Then I smiled my usual smile and added:
"And as for whether it's allowed here at Hogwarts... the Headmaster has already approved it. So don't worry, my dear children... everything is under control."
"Now, we will begin the first lesson... which is about basic knowledge of dark creatures, dark magic, and curses. We will pack all necessary information into this lesson to build the correct foundation."
I paused to look into their eyes, then continued more enthusiastically:
"As for the remaining lessons until the end of the year, they will be entirely practical. We will learn how to face, fight, and overcome—not how to memorize theories."
I added a encouraging smile:
"And anyone who needs to review theoretical information can simply read my book written just for you. I guarantee it contains all the information you need, written as an enjoyable story you'll enjoy and that will help you retain the knowledge."
"Let us start by getting to know the common dark creatures you may encounter in your life, as Aurors or researchers or even adventurers—or even on vacation somewhere."
I stood before the board, waved my wand, and names appeared one by one in clear handwriting:
"Werewolf... Vampire... Acromantula... Manticore... Chimera... Blast-Ended Skrewt... Dementor... Pixie... Erkling... Erumpent... Demiguise... Billywig... Dragon... and finally, the Lethifold."
Curious and astonished stares passed between the students as I continued:
"Each one of these creatures represents a threat in its own way. Some attack violently, some lurk in the dark, some deceive you with an innocent appearance. Today we will lay the foundation for understanding all of them, and tomorrow we will begin practical training in confronting them."
I paused briefly and added jokingly:
"And I expect you to pay full attention... life in our world isn't always as safe as it seems behind these castle walls."
I took a deep breath and began in a steady voice as my wand projected a glowing image of a werewolf on the board; students followed the figure attentively:
"The first creature we will study today is the werewolf... the moon-beast."
I stepped forward and added:
"A werewolf can appear as a perfectly normal human for 29 nights of the month, but on the thirtieth night, at full moon, he transforms into a hybrid of wolf and human. In that state, he loses all control over himself and becomes driven by killing and predation."
I waved my wand to show illustrative drawings of him during transformation:
"He possesses incredible strength, astonishing speed, and an extremely keen sense of smell. Approaching him while transformed is almost suicide... unless you're an Animagus, fully shifted into animal form, in which case you might survive because he won't consider you a direct threat."
I leaned on the desk and continued in a deeper tone:
"In the Ministry's guide, his danger rating is five X's (XXXXX)—a highly lethal creature requiring a skilled witch or wizard to handle or confront."
I lifted my wand again to display "His Weaknesses":
"His only weakness is silver. A silver dagger, a silver arrow, or even silver powder mixed into his food—anything made of silver causes him great harm."
I paused to let them absorb the information, then continued quietly but thrillingly:
"A detail that may interest you: if two werewolves mate during a full moon and a pregnancy follows, the resulting child will be a full werewolf. This means he will never have a human form, and will know nothing but the savagery of a natural wolf, and will carry that ferocity and instincts without needing the full moon."
I walked between the rows and added:
"And the only way to contract the werewolf curse is through his blood or saliva entering your body—usually via a direct bite, or a wound contaminated by his blood or saliva, or even a blade dripping with his blood touching your flesh."
I paused and addressed the students:
"Anyone have a question so far?"
I saw a hand raise among them; I smiled encouragingly and gestured to her:
"Go ahead—ask."
A Hufflepuff student stood, looking hesitant, and said:
"Professor... is there a cure that prevents someone from transforming into a werewolf?"
I nodded appreciatively and said:
"Excellent question, five points to Hufflepuff."
I walked slowly between the desks and explained:
"Unfortunately, there is no cure to prevent a werewolf from transforming at the full moon. The curse is extremely powerful, and magic currently known is powerless to cure it completely."
I stopped at the board and looked into their eyes:
"But there is a potion called Wolfsbane Potion. It doesn't prevent the transformation, but it grants the werewolf the ability to retain his mind during the change. That means, even if he becomes physically savage, he remains conscious and won't harm others."
I waved my wand to show an image of a vial with a wolf symbol:
"But this potion is difficult to brew and only skilled potion-makers can prepare it effectively."
I smiled my distinctive smile and added:
"That's why, if you encounter a werewolf on a full moon night... don't rely on luck; remember silver."
Then I looked at the class:
"Any other questions?"
I nodded lightly, smiling my usual smile as I continued the lesson:
"Let's move on to the second dark creature... the vampire."
My gaze swept the rows, noticing how attention sharpened—talk of vampires always stirs both curiosity and fear.
I said in a clear voice:
"Vampires are ancient magical creatures linked to the wizarding world for centuries. They were originally able to pass on their genes and create partial vampires such as Lordan Death or Quire LeBlanc. And among them are those who gained the ability to turn witches and wizards into full vampires, like Victor Kitwski."
I waved my wand and an image appeared of a pale-faced figure with red eyes and prominent fangs.
"But... as with every coin, there are two faces. An association for vampire tolerance was founded, and laws and guidelines were set to prevent their total eradication. After all, they are part of our world, whether we like it or not."
I scanned the students and added:
"As for protection methods, you surely know some from stories and legends: garlic, holy water, and most importantly... strong defensive spells and proficiency in Defense Against the Dark Arts."
I paused and looked at them:
"Does anyone have a question before we move on to the next creature?"
A student from Gryffindor raised his hand:
"Professor, are vampires really immortal?"
"Excellent question! Five extra points to your house."
I stepped forward and explained in a composed tone:
"The answer is: no, vampires are not truly immortal as myths claim. It's true that their lifespans are much longer than ordinary witches and wizards, but they do die in the end. Their extended lifespan comes from their magical nature and regenerative ability to heal wounds, but they are not immortal in the literal sense."
I waved my wand to show an animated image of a vampire aging slowly.
"I'll tell you something more accurate: some powerful wizards who mastered magic deeply live longer than the vampires themselves. For example, the former Headmaster Armando Dippet lived more than three hundred years naturally, without becoming a dark creature or relying on blood to extend his life."
I paused to let the information sink in, then added seriously:
"Now... any other questions before we move on?"
"Let us move on to another of the most dangerous creatures you may encounter in your life... the Acromantula."
I paused for effect, then continued:
"Acromantulas are giant spiders, unusually intelligent, sometimes able to speak human language—but they are not friendly. They reproduce faster and more numerous than rabbits... and to make it worse, they see humans merely as a delicious meal awaiting capture in their webs."
I lowered my voice as if confiding a secret:
"In the Ministry's classification, its danger level is five X's—deadly—and it is absolutely not recommended to attempt to domesticate or handle one."
I straightened up and raised my wand to indicate the Acromantula's image flickering in magical flames:
"Its only weakness is fire. Remember that well. Fire is your weapon if you are forced to face one... though I don't recommend confronting it directly lest you become its next meal."
I looked sternly and added with that familiar confidence:
"And now... any questions before we continue to the next creature?"
I deflected the Acromantula's image with a flick of my wand, and said in a low but charged tone:
"The next creature... is one of the darkest and most terrifying."
My wand summoned a massive ghostly figure in a tattered black cloak, darkness itself oozing, its face hidden—you could sense a chill pass over the hall.
"Dementor."
I paused briefly, gauging their reactions, then continued:
"They are dark creatures... truly eternal in a sense. They feed upon happiness, joy, hope... your very souls. Their presence alone is enough to make you feel like your worst moments replaying."
My gaze passed through the students before I added in a low voice:
"These beings are used by the Ministry to guard Azkaban prison... or to carry out death sentences via the Dementor's Kiss. What deadly romance, isn't it?"
A pale smile flashed on my lips but vanished quickly.
"They have no official danger rating, because they are part of the Ministry's system. But if you ask me... I'd give them six X's."
I waved my wand to bring the Dementor image closer until you could feel a physical chill:
"Its only counter is the Expecto Patronum charm. A spell that doesn't kill them but repels them. And if you don't know it..."
I looked at them earnestly:
"Run. As fast as you can."
I lowered my wand, and the Dementor image faded in a soft silver glow.
"And now... any questions before we move on to the next creature?"
A pale Ravenclaw boy raised his hand, his eyes wide with anxiety and curiosity, voice quiet but clear:
"Professor... what happens to the soul that a Dementor absorbs? Can it... can it be restored?"
Silence weighed heavily in the room. Even those whispering or taking notes stopped, turning toward Lockhart, waiting.
Lockhart smiled gently, though darkness flickered in his eyes. He answered seriously:
"Excellent question... ten points to Ravenclaw."
He stepped forward, his gaze sweeping the tense faces, then continued, voice lowering to deepen the solemnity:
"The soul absorbed by a Dementor... is lost forever. It cannot be restored by any charm or potion nor any known force in the wizarding world. What remains after the kiss... is an empty shell. A living body without a soul, without feelings, without thought. As if the person who once inhabited it has vanished from existence."
A murmur of fear rose among the rows, some students shivering while others scribbled notes with trembling fingers.
Lockhart spoke more firmly:
"That is why, dear students, nothing is more dangerous than a Dementor. And when you hear the words 'Dementor's Kiss,' know it's not a figure of speech—it's an accurate description of the most horrific fate imaginable."
He looked again at the Ravenclaw boy and added:
"I hope you have your answer. No one has ever returned from that kiss... and no one ever will."
Silence enveloped the room again, as if every word had settled like lead. Then Lockhart raised his arms, refocusing the students:
"And now... to the next creature."
He glanced at the students' anxious faces—some still pale after the Dementor—and raised his voice slightly with dark humor:
"Now let me tell you about a creature no less gruesome... the Lethifold."
He paused, then added his characteristic smile:
"You might call it... the cousin of the Dementor. But instead of devouring souls like the Dementor, the Lethifold devours flesh."
A faint whisper rippled through the hall; some students exchanged uneasy looks. Lockhart broadened his voice:
"The Lethifold, or Death Shroud, is an extremely rare creature. It looks like a thin black cloak gliding silently across the floor. It moves only at night and strikes its victims while they sleep; it covers them with its body and... devours them entirely without making a sound."
A stifled gasp came from one student while others took frantic notes, their fingers trembling.
Lockhart gave a small smile and said:
"Its only weakness? A strong light charm, like Lumos Maxima, may repel it or at least give you a chance to escape. But my advice? Don't sleep in unfamiliar places without caution."
He drew a breath and scanned the room:
"Any questions before we continue?"
"Alright… now to a less-known but equally dangerous creature: the Erkling."
He paused, watching eager faces, then continued:
"The Erkling is a dwarf-like creature, small in size, but possesses cunning and dangerous intelligence. It typically resides in European forests—especially Germany—and is known for its sharp, loud laughter that can attract children."
Lockhart looked into their eyes; some students swallowed nervously.
"Yes, my dears... it attracts them with laughter and then... tries to devour them. Its danger rating is three X's—lower than previous creatures, but still dangerous, especially if you lack caution."
He waved his wand as if warding off an unseen threat, then said with a smile:
"Its weakness? Fortunately, it can be kept at bay by a Silence or Incarcerous charm temporarily. So... if you ever hear strange laughter in the forest, don't follow it out of curiosity—that curiosity could be your last."
He scanned the class, waiting for questions, and the room fell silent, broken only by the sound of scribbling quills.
"The next creature, my dear students, is the Erumpent."
He paused for effect, then resumed:
"A magical beast that resembles a rhinoceros, but is larger and more powerful. Its hide is extremely thick, flexible like rubber, yet stronger than steel."
He lifted his finger to stress the next point:
"The Erumpent's horn isn't just offensive—it's filled with explosive fluid. If the horn penetrates anything, the fluid causes an instantaneous explosion. That's why any confrontation with this creature often ends in disaster."
He added, his smile a combination of confidence and vanity:
"Its danger rating is, of course, 4X, but you should respect it more than any other creature due to its ability to turn a battlefield into a minefield in moments."
He twirled his hand as if sketching the creature in midair:
"As for weaknesses? There are few... but it is sensitive to Charming and Calming spells. Therefore, if necessary, you may try to pacify it with a strong Sleep or lure it away using food charms or traps."
He stopped, observing the terrified looks in some students' eyes, then said in a playful tone:
"But don't worry—there isn't an Erumpent wandering Hogwarts… at least, not yet!"
Some students laughed weakly more from relief than humor.
Lockhart, looking at them with bright eyes, raised his voice slightly to regain attention:
"The next creature is the Pixie... the famous Cornish pixie. It may sound small and harmless from the name and appearance—but it is actually one of the most annoying creatures you might encounter."
He continued:
"A Pixie is a tiny creature, about eight inches tall, bright blue, with delicate insect-like wings. But don't be fooled—they adore chaos, they live for it. The Pixie loves messing with your belongings, tugging your hair, hanging you from chandeliers if it can—all for the fun of it."
He warned:
"Don't underestimate it, students. A scream or a weak spell won't be enough to stop it. You'll need calm nerves and good control to manage it. And I advise you not to try catching it with your bare hands... unless you want to spend the rest of the day dangling from a chandelier!"
Then he went on:
"Now let's move to a lesser-known but still dangerous creature... the Billywig."
Lockhart paused, then described:
"The Billywig is a tiny magical creature native to Australia. It looks like a bright blue insect, with a spindle-shaped body and fine transparent wings that make it hard to see in flight."
He continued:
"What makes the Billywig special—or dangerous—is its sting. The sting causes intense dizziness, a feeling of euphoria—and may even make you float in the air for a short time. It may sound fun to some, but actually dangerous if you're somewhere unsafe or if the effect lasts too long."
"And because Billywigs move extremely fast, catching or avoiding one isn't easy."
He cautioned:
"Remember, students: if you see a Billywig, it's best not to approach it... unless you want an involuntary ride in the air in class!"
He inhaled and then said:
"Now... to one of the greatest and most dangerous magical creatures known to our world: the Dragon."
He raised his voice:
"The dragon, dear students, is a massive winged fire-breathing creature with thick hide resistant to most spells and immense power unmatched by anything else. There are many species of dragon, such as:
• The Norwegian Ridgeback• The Chinese Fireball• The Hungarian Horntail• The Common Welsh Green…, and many others."
He added:
"Each type has its own traits, but all share destructive power and primal intelligence."
"Dragons in the wizarding world are strictly regulated by the Ministry and are kept in special preserves. Handling them requires high expertise and extraordinary courage... or you'll become a delicious meal."
"As for danger rating? Well... I don't even need to say—it's 5X, of course."
"And a weakness? There really isn't a direct one… witches and wizards facing a dragon rely on intelligence, cunning, and trained dragon-handlers."
He cautioned with a grin:
"My advice? Never approach a dragon… unless you want to test what it feels like to be roasted!"
Some students laughed nervously, while others showed a mixture of admiration and fear.
I raised my voice a bit as I looked at their faces:
"Whaaaat… that's the end of our lesson today."
Then I continued clearly:
"In the next lesson we will learn about curses or common dark magic—and how to protect ourselves against them or at least mitigate their effect until help arrives."
I added a calming smile:
"Prepare yourselves well... it will be a lesson you'll never forget."
I gestured gently:
"You may leave now."
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Does anyone know which sequence Lockhart is in now?
I left two hints in the previous chapter, and with the events of this chapter, you should know which path and sequence he's in now, right?
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Please give me the power stones they help me spread the novel more than you can imagine and thank you for reading this far