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Chapter Sixty: Daily Life of Secret Protection
"You must have brought your books, right? Just stay in your rooms and study—preview next semester's courses. If you don't understand anything, come ask me. I'll provide full support. This is a proper, luxurious study trip," Lockhart said before turning to leave.
Back in his room, he picked up a book and read for a while, but quickly found it uninteresting. He then reached for a draft and began writing a new book, The Days of Silently Protecting the Savior.
Lockhart had barely started when Mrs. Figg called them down for dinner, so he reluctantly put down his pen.
Dinner was simple, but surprisingly pleasant.
"I just saw Harry!" Ginny announced excitedly. "He's becoming more and more like a savior."
"Ginny, do you really think he's the savior?" Hermione asked, shaking her spoon with disapproval. "That's a title others have forced on him. Never call him that in front of him. He earned that title through the sacrifices of his parents, and he hates it."
"Hermione is right," Lockhart added. "Whether he's truly a savior depends on his actions, Ginny—not just on appearances."
"Oh… but he is really handsome," Ginny mumbled, lowering her head.
"If you like him, just go for it. It's easier than you think," Mrs. Figg said with a faint smile.
"I never imagined I could be the Savior's girlfriend!" Ginny said, frustrated.
"I've watched him grow up, Ginny. He's just like other boys, maybe even more in need of love. Show him a little kindness, and he'll consider you a good friend immediately," Mrs. Figg said, her tone calm but authoritative.
"Oh my god, Ginny! The person you like is your own brother's best friend! You can't waste this opportunity!" Hermione teased.
"But as soon as I see him, I forget everything," Ginny said, tapping her plate in frustration. "My heart races and my face gets hot."
"Ginny, you're not acting like a Gryffindor at all," Lockhart laughed. "Aren't Gryffindors known for courage? You're not even afraid of the Ministry, so why fear a boy? If necessary, I can provide an aphrodisiac."
Because of Lockhart's intervention, Diggory survived, and Harry's pursuit of Cho Chang was likely hopeless. Lockhart had to ensure Harry's mental and physical well-being.
"Professor, aphrodisiacs can't create true love!" Hermione snapped, glaring at him.
"Yes, of course," Lockhart conceded. "Ginny, muster your Gryffindor courage and take your own happiness into your hands!"
Immediately, Lockhart regretted the remark. Hermione's eyes lit up as she repeated, "Have the courage to seize my happiness," staring at him intently.
Just then, the door swung open, and a drunken Mundungus Fletcher stumbled inside.
"Mundungus! Where have you been?" Lockhart demanded. "Have you forgotten why you came here?"
"Ahhh—" Mundungus tried to recognize Lockhart. "Giddro! What are you doing here, hiccup! And who are these two lovely girls? Did you call them? Gilderoy, you're amazing~ hiccup!"
"They're here to protect Harry. They know they can't rely on you!" Lockhart said sharply.
"Oh, I'm sorry, but Mrs. Figg never said anything," Mundungus slurred, leaning against the wall at the edge of the stairs.
"Go upstairs quickly. You don't need to watch over him starting tomorrow. The three of us will be enough," Lockhart said firmly. "I won't tell Moody."
"Really? Well, thank you, Gilderoy! You're so kind—hiccup! I'll go upstairs now." Mundungus staggered away.
"How did he even get into the Order of the Phoenix?" Hermione asked, frowning.
"He has connections; he knows people in both legitimate and… less legitimate circles," Lockhart explained. "Sometimes he can be useful, and most importantly, he's loyal to Dumbledore."
"I always thought the Order of the Phoenix was made up of top-notch wizards known for their integrity," Hermione said, disappointed.
"If we share the same goal, we can work together," Lockhart replied dryly. What he really meant was that everyone was a resource to be used.
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