allendalepharm Chapter 317 They All Have Bright Futures
Chapter 317 They All Have Bright Futures
Chapter 317 They All Have Bright Futures
The Triwizard Tournament isn't held every day; it lasts for an entire school year. As a result, the spectators who came to watch were orderly leaving Hogwarts.
Of course, some so-called "insiders" or "conspiracy theorists" will be more interested in the trouble that happened in the Forbidden Forest last night.
The next day, reports spread like wildfire that "a group of people were performing an evil ritual in the Forbidden Forest of Hogwarts, causing the Triwizard Tournament to be suspended."
Honestly, if it weren't for Lockhart as her backer, Rita's fabricated stories might not have bothered Dumbledore, but Grindelwald would definitely have taught her a lesson.
However, now that the conspiracy theory has emerged, a seasoned veteran like Grindelwald would naturally do the same, fueling the flames.
In political science, there is a professional operational method called "expansion".
They embellish conspiracy theories that might reveal the truth to an absurd degree, then keep adding people involved until onlookers can't grasp the main point.
Of course, there's no point in hiding this mess; if anyone knows, they'll know.
The main goal is to generate buzz for the three-way battle for supremacy!
Grindelwald's goal was to make the entire wizarding world focus on the event throughout its year-long run, and then bring out a bunch of masters and experts to debate the "list of spells to be used in the event," thus drawing attention to it.
He knows this stuff all too well.
They don't even need to take action themselves.
Even in the Hog's Head pub in Hogsmeade Village, next to Hogwarts, you can hear plenty of discussions about this classification of spells.
Even members of the Duel Club are discussing this topic.
"We should compile these discussions." Crabbe, who was too stupid to participate in the discussion, just listened and muttered to himself. He often saw his mentor Lockhart compiling and recording similar information, and he had subconsciously felt that he should do the same.
However, the people who were discussing him intensely did not notice him; he was always overlooked.
Instead, Cassius, who had been huddled in a corner, silent and withdrawn due to the loss, suddenly sprang to his feet, slammed his hand on the table, and shouted excitedly, "Let's start a newspaper!"
Everyone looked at him with confusion.
"Just like Crabbe said, we should record all our discussions. I was originally considering publishing a book, but our views are still quite immature. Perhaps starting a newspaper is a better option!"
"Let's call it the Duel Club Gazette!"
Cassius became more and more excited as he spoke.
Publishing a newspaper is a lot of fun, but many club members have their own things to do.
Hermione, initially intrigued, considered participating but hesitated before ultimately deciding that the Quidditch dueling tournament and training facility were a better fit. The abundant political resources, the stage to showcase her abilities, the fairytale adventure that aligned with Professor Lockhart's tales, and the future networking opportunities similar to wizarding army training—all these factors contributed to her success.
"Can I participate?"
The one who raised her hand was a somewhat neurotic girl named Lavender Brown.
Unlike Luna's aloofness and neuroticism, she has a very outgoing, enthusiastic, and unrestrained personality, and has good personal relationships with many members.
Moreover, she is one of the top ten warriors in this year's Hogwarts competition.
She is the biggest beneficiary of Lockhart's theory of "spreading fairy tales".
This witch, who loves divination and defense against the dark magic, is a gifted individual who lies between "spirituality" and "academics." She quickly integrates "fairytale adventure" and "life," and stands out from many outstanding young wizards.
(P.S.: In the original story, she was Ron's first love, a clingy, love-struck woman. Harry described her with annoyance as someone who seemed to think that any time not spent kissing Ron was a huge waste.)
(PS2: In the original book, she joined Dumbledore's army and participated in the final battle. She was bitten by the werewolf Fenrir Greyback and should eventually become a wizard with some werewolf characteristics, just like Bill.)
"certainly!"
"sure!"
Cassius was incredibly excited. He suddenly realized that he might be launching the fifth project of the Duel Club, and that he had people supporting him. This was definitely a huge success.
"Is anyone else participating?" he shouted excitedly.
Lavender quickly tugged at her best friend, Parvati Petil, who was the older sister of a pure-blooded Indian twin and was considered by many to be the most beautiful girl in the entire grade.
The two best friends are Hermione's roommates.
Parvati Petit is also one of the top ten warriors of this year's Hogwarts.
She is a beneficiary of Professor Lockhart's "Fairy Tale Adventures" practice.
Because of her beautiful appearance and elegant exotic charm, many people were eager to team up with her to participate in the school's fairytale adventure trials, and her performance often earned praise from Professor Kettleburn.
"Okay, I'll join too." Parvati couldn't resist Lavender's pleading look as he rubbed his face against hers in public, so she smiled and raised her hand as well.
Cassius, eager to gain more supporters, quickly scanned the crowd.
"Michael, will you join?"
Michael Corner, a close friend from a pure-blood family, grew up together and is the kind of "other people's child" that many people despise. He is a well-behaved boy from Ravenclaw.
He is also one of the top ten warriors at Hogwarts this year.
He is a beneficiary of private lessons at the Duel Club.
This studious young wizard absorbed every point of knowledge taught by Professor Lockhart and Professor Snape with great enthusiasm, and received personal guidance from Professor Snape, resulting in tremendous growth.
(P.S.: In the original story, he was one of the few junior wizards recognized by Professor Slughorn.)
(ps2: In the original story, he first became Ginny Weasley's boyfriend, and after being dumped, he dated Cho Chang for a while.)
At this moment, he was secretly glancing at Ginny's long hair and back. When she came in, Ginny winked at him playfully, and he had a fleeting thought that she might like him.
The boy was filled with trepidation, his heart pounding wildly as he frantically tried to contain his emotions. When his name was called in public and everyone looked at him, his face turned bright red.
"what?"
He gasped, and seeing Ginny and the girl beside her turn to look at him, he quickly looked away, too embarrassed to look at Ginny any longer, and frantically raised his hand, "I, I'll join!"
He regretted it as soon as he said it.
But Ginny was watching, his best buddies were watching him, everyone was watching, and he was too embarrassed to go back on his word and say he wouldn't join.
And so, the new project of the Duel Club was officially established.
After the members' gathering ended, they met up near the Forbidden Forest Mushroom House to look for Lockhart, hoping to gain the professor's approval.
When I arrived, Lockhart was organizing manuscripts.
King's Cross Station: Albus's Transfiguration World
Yes, although Dumbledore hasn't started his Transfiguration Masterclass yet, Lockhart has already begun writing.
Literary creation works like this: first, you outline the general principles and framework, and even fill in the gaps by organizing the content that you know and understand.
Adjustments and key content will be made after the actual course content is observed.
Lockhart is incredibly good at this.
No one knows better than him how to write a magic book that is both entertaining and professional!
The theme is very clear: the King's Cross Platform, symbolizing Dumbledore's highest achievement in Transfiguration, serves as the trigger. Yes, at least it's the most interesting and profound part Lockhart knows. (ps:)
Chapter 280. Contains a more advanced and sophisticated magic, including the "Mirror World" magic.
"Duel Club Newspaper?"
Lockhart put down his quill and looked at the four young wizards in front of him with great interest.
To be honest, he felt a surge of joy seeing these young wizards before him. These previously unknown background characters had undergone a dramatic transformation because of his appearance, and were beginning to walk the path of magic.
To become so excellent.
This gave him even more satisfaction than teaching Harry and Draco well.
"Of course, I fully support it!"
He bent down, pulled out a piece of parchment, quickly wrote something on it, and handed it to Cassius. "This is the contact information for Rita Skeeter, editor-in-chief of The Daily Prophet, and Xenophilius Lovegood, editor-in-chief of The Quibbler."
"I will write them individual recommendation letters. You can learn some key points about running a newspaper through these outstanding seniors. If you have time, you can intern at their newspaper for a period of time."
As he spoke, he pointed to the parchment.
"Of course, running a newspaper at school requires the support of the school and the authorities. For the former, you can go to Professor Dumbledore; he would obviously be happy to see the efforts of the young wizards. Then you can seek help from Mr. Argus Filch, the keeper of the school castle, for a venue."
"I'm going to the main castle later, and I'll discuss the venue details with Mr. Filch."
"You can seek help from Dolores Umbridge, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magic, on the official side."
"I will explain the situation to Ms. Umbridge. You can write to her to arrange a visit time, and prepare the questions and concerns you want to address before going to see her."
He snapped his fingers, and a suitcase appeared beside the young wizard. As it fell to the ground and shook, the sound of galleons rattling inside could be heard.
"Investment support from professors."
Lockhart smiled at them. "Of course, I want you to remember that the support among the members of the Duel Club is your greatest asset. For example, the camera and interview recording equipment, and George and Fred in the research lab can provide you with unique works that you can't find anywhere else."
The young wizards were stunned.
Is this the kind of support that Percy, Cedric, George Fred, and others once received?
They never imagined they would have such a possibility.
After they left, bowing gratefully and somewhat bewildered, they began to discuss amongst themselves.
"I just wanted the professor's verbal approval," Cassius said, his face flushed with excitement as he carried his suitcase full of Galleons.
Michael suddenly realized something and looked at him in disbelief. "Dude, it seems like we're about to do something really big!"
At this point, he would no longer dwell on the internal struggle of whether or not to quit the project.
In fact, Parvati felt the meaning of this support even more than he did.
Born into a pure-blooded Indian family, she was all too aware of the helplessness and despair her family felt in many things. Right now, just thinking about her future interactions with the editors-in-chief of major newspapers and the Deputy Minister of Magic made it all worthwhile.
Lavender, who joined out of pure interest from the start, wasn't too bothered by this. He just happily waved his little fist, saying, "For us, starting a newspaper is a fun fairytale adventure! Guys, we have to come up with a plan as soon as possible!"
Yes! Keep it up!
The young wizards were full of energy and vitality, and felt that the future was full of anticipation.
In Lockhart's relationship magic, starlight shone brightly.
"I'm looking forward to it too!" Lockhart smiled as he watched the young wizards run off.
Every member of the Duel Club is growing.
With the arrival of the new school year, some students who have entered their senior years or are even graduating have begun to shift their focus from campus life to society and actively participate in various projects of the Duel Club.
Besides their daily classes, they have so many things to do, but they enjoy it immensely.
Take Cedric Diggory, for example.
Having just successfully advanced to become one of the ten greatest warriors at Hogwarts, he went to ask Professor Pomona Sprout, the Head of House, for leave, and began his ultra-long-distance intercontinental journey through the Head of House's fireplace with his suitcase.
With Professor Lockhart's help, he formed a good friendship with Mr. Scamander (Newt's son), the professor of magical creature protection at Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Cedric has just received a letter from Mr. Scamander via owl.
Emerging from the fireplace of the Magical Congress of America, he found himself in a secluded corner of the street. He quickly pulled out his phone, dialed the number, and excitedly asked, "Mr. Scamander, you said Mr. Newt Scamander needs to settle a nest of Swamp Peepcatton elves?"
Mr. Scamander's hearty laughter came from the other end of the phone. "No, not just one litter, buddy, it's hundreds. If it were just one litter, my farm could accommodate them, but you'd have to let my father come to your farm first. He has to make sure these little darlings have a good living environment on your farm."
"No problem!" Cedric shouted excitedly.
This is Swamp Pikachu!
They are known as the "hard-working staff of the garden world" and are able to very effectively transform the hills or plains surrounding swamps into some of the most fertile places in the world.
Without Newt's help, Cedric would never have dared to imagine that he could possess such a rare magical creature, especially for free!
Compared to Cedric, who jumped for joy, Crabbe was filled with despair.
He received potions instruction from Professor Snape at Lockhart's Lodge in Hogsmeade.
Since he had already left his post, Professor Snape's original Potions office had been occupied by Professor Horace Slughorn, who had been rehired. After purchasing a "Burgle Plus" from George and settling down next to Lockhart's Mushroom House, he would occasionally come to Lockhart's small house in the neighboring village to brew potions.
Crabbe's performance was worse than expected.
Snape created a private tutoring program specifically for the potions he needed, starting with aconite.
Aconite is arguably the most common ingredient in healing potions.
Its functions include pain relief, diuresis, heart calming, and inducing sweating, which is sufficient to address many common ailments.
Then Crabbe was stuck on the door of aconite in despair.
He clearly remembered Professor Snape saying in class that *Aconitum carmichaelii* and *Aconitum kusnezoffii* were the same plant, also collectively called *Aconitum*, but now he was being told that they were not, but two different plants.
In fact, there are as many as 250 species of aconite!
Glug glug~~~
The globe spun rapidly before being pressed down by a large hand.
Snape tapped the map beneath his palm with his long index finger. "You must remember the different types of aconite found around the world, the aconite collected in the wild in Europe and the aconite collected in the wild in Africa. They have very different medicinal properties and preparation methods."
"They are all highly poisonous; these are not magical herbs you can use carelessly!"
"Aconite from different regions, with its flowers, leaves, and roots, will have different uses in different magical potions!"
Crabbe stared blankly at Professor Snape, and asked with a hint of despair, "Do we have to memorize all of this?"
Snape nodded. "Not only do you have to memorize them, but you also have to be able to clearly distinguish them. You can't exactly prepare to heal a child with high hopes, only to watch them drink your potion and die foaming at the mouth from poison, can you?"
Crabbe was startled, swallowed hard, and shouted anxiously, "How can this be!"
"Very good!" Snape smiled at him, encouragingly saying, "Then settle down and study hard!"
Crabbe looked at him timidly, murmuring weakly, "Can someone as stupid as me even do this?"
Snape smiled slightly. "Of course, why not?"
He thought for a moment, then looked at Crabbe. "Do you know why I'm willing to mentor you?"
Crabbe guessed it was because he was Professor Lockhart's personal apprentice, and Professor Snape was willing to give him face, but it was difficult to say such things out loud.
Professor Snape seemed to guess his thoughts and shook his head. "You're wrong, for only one reason: because of you!"
"Me?" Crabbe asked, puzzled.
"You're very talented! Or rather, you are very talented right now!"
Snape chuckled, shook his head, and patted the globe beneath his palm. "Memorize this data, master the ability to identify and process it..."
The order of heat control and preparation, mastering potion recipes —
"These can be memorized by rote. There is no talent involved. The only difference is that smart people memorize faster and dull people take longer."
"Anyone can do it if they are willing to spend the time and effort."
"So, what exactly constitutes talent in Potions?"
He walked over, gently picked up a sprig of aconite from the plate with his finger, and examined it closely. "My answer is spirituality, a spirituality that is sincere enough, a spirituality that is close enough to nature yet does not lose its strong feelings for human social relationships."
"Many people don't understand this. They always attribute their failed potion-making to bad luck, but when they occasionally succeed, they think they are full of talent."
"But that's not the case; they simply don't realize how complex and chaotic their spirituality is."
"Seamus Finnegan of Gryffindor, he's the kind of person with a mixed spirituality and complex thinking; he'll never amount to anything in Potions!"
Snape's face was full of mockery for those without talent. "Even if he memorized all 250 kinds of aconite, accumulated enough experience to distinguish and process them, and mastered extremely skillful experience in handling potion ingredients and preparing potion formulas, he still wouldn't succeed!"
"That's talent!"
As he spoke, he turned around, and sunlight streamed in from the window, falling on his face and making it shine.
"Vincent (Crawb's first name), we're all clumsily searching for our direction in life, our hearts filled with longing and impatience. But please calm down, don't rush, and you will get everything you desire!"
"Yes!" Crabbe nodded vigorously. "Professor, I will definitely study hard!"
"very good."