The slacker professor at Hogwarts

Chapter 309 Ceremonial Music and the Bewildered Voldemort

Chapter 309 Ceremonial Music and the Bewildered Voldemort

The students at Beauxbatons are quite adaptable; they even secretly divided the school into "lower houses" and "upper houses" in a short period of time.

The "lower house" refers to those students who have not yet passed the ordinary wizarding level exams. Many junior wizards who were originally in sixth or seventh grade and waiting to graduate have been held back to the fourth grade.

Of course, these students will graduate after seven years of study; they won't be allowed to stay in school indefinitely and waste resources.

Interestingly, there was an honest man in the school, Professor Remus Lupin, who was always willing to help out and patiently answered students' questions. In a short period of time, he inexplicably became the "Head of the House of Commons".

At first, the students called him that in private, and this always gentle professor quickly won everyone's favor. Later, when the news reached the school administration, Lockhart simply signed the document to formally appoint him.

It's not the title of "Lord of the House of Commons"; the official title is "Vice Principal," in charge of the "Ordinary Wizard Rank Examination" system education for grades one through four.

Nothing healed Lupin’s soul more than being needed.

He became more cheerful day by day over the past few days.

The smile on his face once gave Lockhart the illusion that Lupin would stay in this "house" until he grew old, decades later standing by the door with a cane, looking kindly and gently at each and every graduating class of children, and then waiting for each and every new class of children to enter school.

Bringing Lupin to Beauxbatons was definitely the right choice.

Lockhart thus saved himself half the trouble.

With the professors and students of the three upperclassman paths all settled, Lockhart was left with nothing to do but urge the national ministries of magic and various organizations to revise the standards for the "Ultimate Wizarding Level Examination" and all the certificates.

Many people who were angry with Lockhart but dared not speak out were waiting for Beauxbatons to cause trouble, but unexpectedly, Beauxbatons returned to the peace and tranquility of a school within a month.

It wasn't without its share of troublemakers. For example, there were those students who were relegated to the fourth year to retake basic courses and prepare for the ordinary wizard level exams. They were supposed to just coast along and wait for their graduation certificates, so how could they not harbor resentment?

Lockhart had prepared contingency plans in advance and organized a "persuasion" team, but they were never needed.

Professor Audrey Flamel, who was in charge of etiquette, easily suppressed the situation.

A large number of house-elves, fairies, and giants were mobilized for patrols, and those lazy bums who failed their exams and only knew how to eat chicken legs were too scared to say a word.

It is highly suspicious that Miss Audrey never intended to intervene in the last incident where the Lockhart Book Club organized the expulsion of the principal and professors.

"etiquette?"

This is something Hogwarts doesn't have; there isn't a single person there who adheres to the school rules.

Headmaster Dumbledore would advise students against going to forbidden places and the Forbidden Forest at the beginning of the school year, with a playful and encouraging look that seemed to say, "Go ahead and try if you dare."

Professors in each college punish students who make mistakes based on their mood. Sometimes, the so-called punishment looks more like a reward for the brave and an opportunity to give extra lessons. Otherwise, someone like Hermione would have been expelled long ago.

Mr. Filch, the castle keeper who seems to be the only one strictly enforcing the school rules, is only interested in increasing punishments and killing students.

Beauxbatons is very different.

This place is full of rebellious freedom, but it is all freedom belonging to students that has been written into school rules after the school compromised with it.

Rules are rules.

Or rather, freedom and order exist in such a complex yet harmonious way, in the form of "etiquette".

"It is clear that the Lemaître family has a profound influence on this school, cultivating the campus for hundreds of years and wielding authority beyond that of the principal."

Standing in the principal's office, overlooking the square through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Miss Audrey led the magical creatures in persuading the students to "go back to class obediently," Voldemort's voice filled with malice.

"As a powerful principal, you kept the influence of the board of directors, pure-blood families, and various organizations out of the school, but you overlooked the Lemaître family, which has a great influence in the school."

"Heh~"

"Is it because Miss Audrey is your crazy and obsessive fan?"

"No wonder you and Severus became friends; you're two peas in a pod!"

Lockhart rolled his eyes, too lazy to pay attention to Voldemort's nonsense, and gently waved his wand, carefully sensing the distance between himself and the school.

He cast a spell called "Home" in this school, which was more dynamic than the spell Voldemort used to curse the position of Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, and could get subtle feedback from every little change in the school.

"What exactly are you feeling?" Voldemort asked Lockhart, turning around out of boredom.

"Life!" Lockhart was happy to discuss anything related to magic. When he and Grindelwald formed the "Campaign Group," he was mostly too lazy to participate in discussions about conspiracy theories and politics, but he was the most active participant when it came to magic.

Or to put it another way, the "Taoist" magic he is now using is more interesting than Voldemort's, who taught him some of the techniques, because Grindelwald explained a lot of "castle magic" to him.

"I've said before that all problems can be solved with magic."

Lockhart put down his wand and smiled with some satisfaction. "I have never been the leader of any organization before, and I have some concerns about Beauxbatons' educational reforms, fearing that I might mess everything up."

"So I had to observe every detail carefully."

"Of course, the so-called details are not news about the school's operations or external feedback; what I'm observing is the rhythm and spirit that the entire school cultivates."

"Fortunately, every step I've taken so far has brought life to this school, and brought life to my 'the school is my home' magic."

Voldemort seemed thoughtful. "I don't quite agree with many of your magical theories, such as the fairy tale theory, but I wholeheartedly agree with your concept of 'vitality,' and I've gained a lot from it."

He raised his arm, his pale fingers emerging from the wide sleeves of his wizard's robe, pointing to a ghost drifting past in a corner of the school.

"That thing has no life."

"Back then, my wandering spirit state, maintained by Horcrux magic, seemed immortal and indestructible, yet it lacked any vitality."

"Only now, in my current state, do I have a completely different feeling."

Lockhart smiled and nodded. "Yes, I generously share my magical ideas with the outside world, and I always get good feedback from others, which helps me to prove many things."

Old Voldemort's current ghostly state is one of them.

He had secretly observed for a long time, recording a lot of information without Lao Fu's knowledge.

"I just found an interesting place, do you want to come with me?" Lockhart stood up, packed his things, and asked casually.

Voldemort chuckled coldly, gesturing to the various documents piled on the table. "I think you probably won't be able to relax like this; you have a lot of things to deal with!"

Yes.

The principal has a lot of responsibilities.

Lockhart used to think Dumbledore had it easy because he seemed to have so much free time. But after taking the position himself, he realized just how important Professor McGonagall was to Dumbledore.

He actually also has a vice principal.

Sensing Lockhart's gaze, Voldemort's voice was full of sarcasm, "You really dare to let me approve those documents? I know you don't trust me as much as you seem."

Do not!

nonsense!

There's clearly no trust at all!

Lockhart laughed and waved his hand. "Don't rush, take your time. These documents won't disappear. Compared to the Ministry of Magic's efficiency, I'm already quite efficient."

He wasn't exaggerating. If a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Magic or a prominent figure in the field of magic from Europe were to serve as the principal, the educational reforms he's implemented could take three to five years to complete.

It's an old tradition.

"Let's go, let's go take a look."

Lockhart disliked leaving Voldemort alone in his office, but he was too embarrassed to kick him out. At that moment, they were both carefully maintaining each other's dignity.

"What exactly do you want to see?" Voldemort frowned slightly, but still followed him.

"Life!" Lockhart waved his wand. "I sense a strong life force emanating from somewhere in the school, stronger than ever before."

Walking through the school castle, passing through classrooms where classes were in session, Lockhart and Voldemort carefully observed how the school was operating.

As it turns out, this so-called dark wizard really cares about the magic school. The way he looks at the students sitting there in neat rows is truly different.

"I think the biggest difference between the students at Beauxbatons and those at Hogwarts is that they are not as enthusiastic about bloodlines."

Lockhart wasn't targeting anyone; he calmly discussed this interesting question with Voldemort.

The two schools are not far apart; one is located in the Scottish Highlands of England, and the other is in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. The flying broomstick will arrive in no time.

Voldemort clearly sensed this difference as well.

He looked around at the exquisite and luxurious decorations, and the school castles scattered across the hills and plains like palaces, and thought to himself, "Perhaps they all consider themselves nobles."

There are differences in the levels of nobility, but it is nothing more than the difference between the Black family (native old money), the Malfoy family (new immigrant rich), and the Weasley family (country bumpkin redheads), not a difference in bloodline.

This kind of trend is quite interesting.

As they discussed the topic and focused on it, they instinctively observed the differences among the students along the way.

I vaguely sensed the answer.

"The students have so many school uniforms and dresses!" Lockhart exclaimed.

Compared to Hogwarts' standard school uniform, which consists of a wizard's robe paired with a Muggle-style three-piece inner suit, Beauxbatons has many different sets of uniforms.

For various purposes: gatherings, attending different classes, after class, participating in book clubs, receiving awards, and even as a wizard's robe to be worn with a flying broomstick protective suit —

All of these are sponsored; students do not need to pay any fees.

"These school uniforms and dress uniforms should fall under the scope of the etiquette system!" Voldemort keenly realized this.

A very interesting discovery.

Lockhart carefully noted down the incident, intending to ask Miss Audrey about it later. He became increasingly curious about etiquette and planned to take a good look at the etiquette course textbook when he had time.

Finally, they arrived at a large hall deep within the castle, on the side facing away from the sunlight.

A class is being held here as well.

The towering arched corridor is still full of luxurious reliefs, but it is no longer gaudy. The floor tiles are all the same color, which makes people feel a quiet and solemn atmosphere.

For corridors that are too high, walking through them is like an ant walking through a human car tunnel, unconsciously making one feel one's own insignificance.

At the end of the corridor stood a heavy door. Lockhart gently pushed it open, and the door creaked open with a dull thud.

This seems to be intentional, as the gate is regularly maintained and has been specially enchanted to produce the expected sounds.

They're having a music lesson inside.

"Beauxbatons' unique curriculum of music, literature and literacy."

Rows of students stood on the stage dressed in silk wizard robes, while a professor, also dressed in a fitted silk wizard robe, was waving his wand with great concentration.

After a while, the music ended, and the professor hurriedly ran down from the stage to greet Lockhart.

"Don't worry about us, you guys continue."

Lockhart waved and found a seat in the audience.

The professor looked conflicted. He seemed to want to take the opportunity to show his closeness to the new principal, but he also wanted to present the solemnity that one should show when enjoying music to the students. He looked very uneasy.

Fortunately, Lockhart seemed to be just there for a look, not to be vetting him. He had already thrown out many mediocre professors and some who opposed educational reforms from Beauxbatons.

Soon, the professor raised his wand again, using it as a conductor's baton to signal the students to continue.

The singing begins again.

Lockhart then noticed a student band in the corner of the stage, with piano, harp, violin, trumpet, and various other instruments.

"Ah~~ Ah~ Ah~~"

The students didn't sing the lyrics, and it's unclear whether the music classes only taught songs that were sung or if this was the only song like this.

"Did you feel it?"

Lockhart stared in amazement at the scene before him, which resembled a choir.

Voldemort looked at him with some doubt, appearing quite disapproving. "This is boring, a waste of students' time!"

In his view, instead of wasting time learning such a boring thing as music, it would be better to teach more magic.

Even the most basic "Grow Larger Charm" and "Shrink Larger Charm," if practiced more, won't result in such poor performance in battle.

"No, you don't understand!"

Lockhart listened to the music with a dreamy look in his eyes, his wand glowing softly.

"It's amazing how music can evoke such powerful collective emotions!"

"And it's filled with a sense of order and freedom!"

"Most importantly—it's full of vitality, the vitality of the collective!"

Lockhart had never experienced such a wondrous scene before. So many wizards were gathered there, and wondrous emotions emanated from the depths of every soul, all of them positive. These emotions converged and resonated, and magical power surged within them.

This is a different level of magical power, a magical power that does not belong to combat. Lockhart could only sense it through the relationship magic "The school is my home".

Sometimes you can't help but marvel at the wonders of fate.

Lockhart exclaimed in amazement, "I think the reason I was able to so easily and successfully execute the 'The School is My Home' magic was because Beauxbatons had already accumulated such a deep foundation and such a perfect fit for it!"

It truly is the arrival of the great Lockhart in loyal Beauxbatons!

Voldemort pursed his lips, but his expression turned serious.

Damn!

He had been exploring how to break free from Dumbledore's control by appearing beside Lockhart.

But now, he understands Lockhart's magic even less.

From the "fairy tale" theory to "dependence on each other," and now to the "relationship magic," he can feel the underlying connections; Lockhart is heading down a path that is uniquely his own.

Voldemort knew the benefits of this unique path.

Just like the path of Horcrux magic he followed, he used different concepts when casting many spells. For decades, Dumbledore not only couldn't catch him, but also couldn't break the curse he placed on Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

That's the magic of magic.

Voldemort had no doubt about Lockhart's malice towards him, just as he had no doubt that Lockhart also had some goodwill towards him.

This person can truly live in harmony with himself, and he might also kill him without hesitation.

His brows furrowed deeply.

He listened as Lockhart recounted his magical path, revealing everything without reservation, as if to say, "Look, this is how I killed you, I've explained everything clearly to you."

But----

But I can't understand it!

It's really frustrating.

Seeing him frowning and deep in thought, Lockhart assumed he couldn't figure it out, so he patiently dissected the entire magical logic, starting from the "fairy tale theory" and moving on to the "relationship magic."

Sure enough, it's here!

A long, rambling speech in incomprehensible language!

Voldemort finally interrupted him, his tone dripping with malice, "You keep saying that magic will naturally blossom when you step into a fairytale adventure, but now I see you trapped in magic school, a headmaster busy with countless chores. I think magic is about to leave you!"

Lockhart was taken aback. "Why would you think that?"

"It seems you still don't understand my magical concepts!"

"Being the headmaster of a magic school is like a fairy tale to me, a great adventure!"

'

"Otherwise, why would I bother with all the effort and trouble to carry out educational reform? Wouldn't I be more content being a relaxed and carefree principal?"

"Anyway, these students are supposed to go through that kind of education anyway. I won't try to improve them according to my own will. If they are destined to be useless, they will still end up at the bottom after graduation. If they are destined to be outstanding, they will have the opportunity to shine in the future."

Voldemort was stunned. He hadn't expected Lockhart to think this way—an unconventional approach: "A fairytale adventure?"

"Yes, that's right!" Lockhart shrugged, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "This is my fairytale adventure! The students who benefited from educational reforms are, in fact, the villagers saved by the heroes in fairytales who slay dragons and demons."

His expression, as if to say "What else do you think I'm doing?", made Voldemort's lips twitch.

turn out to be----

Is Lockhart practicing magical cultivation with every step he takes?

In other words—

This young man, already a master of magic, was not satisfied at all and continued his journey into the world of magic without stopping!

"Haven't you noticed? I've been frequently seeking out masters from the community through the school board, those pure-blood families, and the school's sponsoring organizations to give one-on-one masterclasses to the most outstanding young wizards among the 'gifted students' and 'full-time students,' all in preparation for the upcoming Triwizard Tournament!"

Lockhart felt that all the discussions he had given Voldemort about his magical path had been for nothing.

Old Fu couldn't even understand what he was doing.

"The Triwizard Tournament is essentially the final boss in my fairytale adventure as the headmaster of a magic school!"

Voldemort couldn't understand.

Voldemort felt very shocked.