allendalepharm Chapter 303 The Great Lockhart Arrives, Loyal Beauxbatons
Chapter 303 The Great Lockhart Arrives, Loyal Beauxbatons
Chapter 303 The Great Lockhart Arrives, Loyal Beauxbatons
After a busy day, Lockhart left Hogwarts and arrived at his small house in Hogsmeade Village, where Voldemort reappeared.
When the results of their discussion were mentioned, Voldemort merely responded with a cold laugh.
"ridiculous!"
"Dumbledore and Grindelwald are indeed getting old, avoiding the terrifying dark magic like the plague."
A mocking smile played on his lips as he gazed out the window with a cold, detached look, as if he were sneering at the entire world. "Actually, the Killing Curse doesn't really kill."
"What?" Lockhart was somewhat shocked.
"Yes, not completely dead." Voldemort turned to Lockhart. "You gained much knowledge and wisdom about the Killing Curse from my young soul, and I think you should be well aware of my methods for creating Horcruxes."
Lockhart murmured thoughtfully, "Yes, I understand. To kill with a unique method of inflicting the Killing Curse, in the instant of death, everything in life bursts forth—all emotions, all memories..."
All of life's experiences thus unleashed an extremely terrifying magical power.
"It's like you've completely squeezed life out of you, instantly igniting fireworks, and using that power to create Horcruxes."
Voldemort highly approved of Lockhart's description. This young man could always clearly and accurately explain the essence and key to magic. "Yes, this method is actually different from the Killing Curse commonly used by dark wizards."
This means that the killings caused by the Killing Curse used in the world today are not actually thorough.
Lockhart let out a silent "wow".
"So, if a counter-curse to the Killing Curse is discovered, those supposedly killed by the Killing Curse could actually be brought back to life?"
Of course, this does not include the method Voldemort used to completely ignite everything when creating Horcruxes.
"Yes, I even have a hypothesis—"
Voldemort recalled the countless times he had cast the Killing Curse in his life, witnessing the deaths of too many people. "After being struck by the Killing Curse, the soul will drift toward the veil that represents death. If a counter-curse were truly discovered, a wizard could even use it to travel to the Land of the Dead."
What is this?
Near-death experience? Or rather, death experience?
Even like the descriptions in previous fantasy web novels—the Yin spirit leaving the body?
When this was mentioned, Lockhart looked at Voldemort with some curiosity. Voldemort had been captured this time intending to use the Killing Curse to kill himself and escape using the Horcruxes, but Lockhart had pulled him back from the flow of time. Lockhart wondered if Voldemort had experienced that once before.
Well, he was too embarrassed to ask, and Voldemort obviously didn't want to talk about this major failure, so he was unlikely to get an answer.
"You've thrown the three most magical spells in wizarding history, the three unforgivable curses, into the framework of so-called black magic like garbage, and then guided the laws, education, and life to completely prohibit them, which will only hinder the development of magic."
"In fact, even the most common magical herbs or magical creatures are always more valuable the more dangerous they are."
Voldemort grumbled.
He looked intently at Lockhart. "You... do you really agree with the magical framework you've planned?"
Lockhart shrugged. "Actually, we all know that it's a magical framework that serves politics."
It is imperfect, extremely imperfect, yet it is perfectly suited to this wizarding world in the transition between the old and new eras.
That's its purpose.
"But you have your own school, a school where you can do whatever you want. I strongly suggest you retain some of the teaching of dark magic," Voldemort advised. This wasn't a conspiracy; he simply knew all too well the value of much of the dark magic.
"No," he said, refusing.
Seeing Voldemort chuckle coldly, too lazy to say anything more, but giving off an expression that said "you're all stubborn trash," Lockhart felt he should say something.
"The danger of dark magic lies in its corruption of the soul; it can distort a wizard's personality. I acknowledge that much of dark magic has its value, but it's not something a young wizard should attempt to explore."
"You could say it's more suitable for top wizards, and in fact, our society has places specifically for them to try these dangerous magical researches—that is, the mystery agencies of various countries."
"Even if it were to be incorporated into the educational framework of a magic school, it should be done in a higher-level research institute."
"Research Institute ————"
Lockhart seemed to be deep in thought as he spoke.
Reflecting on his education during that time, he said, "Leaving aside the dark magic, I actually think the seven-year education at Hogwarts, a magic school, is terrible."
"Kids like Goyle and Crabbe weren't smart enough to handle the higher-level courses. They barely made it to the fifth-year 'Ordinary Wizarding Level Exam,' and then spent the remaining two years just coasting along."
"Similarly, there are also those who lack talent or are severely unbalanced in their studies."
"In fact, people like Newt, the Weasley twins, and Seamus Finnigan, who have unique talents in a certain area, often perform poorly in this education system, but we know they are all excellent wizards."
Voldemort chuckled beside him, "It's obvious that the current education system is terrible and can't produce any outstanding talents. From today onwards, every wizard whose name you can recall has improved their personal magical abilities outside of class."
Lockhart wholeheartedly agreed.
He frowned slightly as he imagined what he would do as the headmaster of Beauxbatons School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. "Actually, there's a teaching system that's very suitable for Muggles, which is the graduate system in universities, or what should be called the apprenticeship system among wizards."
People like Newt, the twins, and Seamus might have achieved even greater things if they had had dedicated professors to mentor them.
Just like Crabbe now, he is being guided by Lockhart onto the magical path of a healer. Although he dares not say what the future will be like, a smooth and bright future is foreseeable.
so----
Break up the seven-year magic school education?
Lower-year students receive general education, while upper-year students are divided into specialized classes, and an additional apprenticeship system is introduced.
"You can give it a try."
Lockhart's idea piqued Voldemort's interest: "Anyway, if you don't change things, you're just raising a bunch of trash. After they graduate and enter society, they'll slowly become mediocre, to the point that most of them won't even be able to cast the Iron Mantra."
"After all—this is your school!"
"My school." Lockhart felt a sense of excitement, like he was freely painting his own will on a pristine canvas.
A few more days passed.
After the "most fundamental magic classification system" and the competition segments customized based on this system were finalized, the three principals didn't have much left to do.
They were too lazy to participate in formulating the more specific details.
Grindelwald preferred to delegate tasks to the Ministry of Magic staff and other members of society who were later dispatched to help, thereby guiding them to participate in this force of change.
In short, Lockhart is finally on vacation!
After packing the last bit of luggage into the flying car, Lockhart looked back at Hogwarts and suddenly felt a pang of reluctance.
He came to this school as soon as he transmigrated to this world, but some things he planned to do were not completed, such as co-authoring a book with professors from various disciplines.
Hagrid, in particular, produced books about magical creatures that were the best complement to Newt Scamander's "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" series.
Of course, some plans were also exceeded.
Lockhart went from being a Muggle who couldn't cast a single spell to one of the top magic masters here.
Here, I also made several friends: Professor Kettleburn, Grindelwald, Lupin, and Snape, the "five old men who strategized around the campfire," and Tom Riddle, the "two good buddies who have faded into obscurity."
Just like Lockhart in the original story, he started a dueling club and led some students.
Of course, most importantly, he now has a home.
It's not the home nested with bloodline magic, but a home built based on the "ghost ship" connection, with many members.
Wrongfully Killed Fairy, Little Golden Retriever, Boggart, Winged Demon, Sack Sheath, Hakimi —
Before he knew it, he had been in this world for two years.
He stood atop the castle tower, overlooking every corner of the school, and suddenly smiled—the most perfect smile.
Goodbye, Hogwarts!
Step into the Flying Car and start it up.
"Let's go, Beauxbatons!"
Although I will still be coming to Hogwarts for most of the next school year, it will be a completely different experience.
He began to have his own territory.
It's time to take over his own Beauxbatons!
They traveled at a leisurely pace, stopping frequently along the way to buy some things at a Muggle market. By the time Lockhart arrived in Beauxbatons, the sun was already setting, and night was about to fall.
Here, Lockhart no longer stays in a single room.
He had a five-story building as the principal's residence—an exquisite and luxurious white house.
That's enough to provide each of his friends with their own rooms.
Compared to the quiet of Hogwarts during the holidays, this place is still quite lively.
Students are on holiday and most professors have left the school, but there are still many traces of life here.
While Beauxbatons doesn't have as many magical and humanoid creatures as the Forbidden Forest at Hogwarts, they have a closer relationship with the wizards and live more freely.
They were not confined to the "Forbidden Forest," but scattered like stars across the vast, undulating hills and mountains of the campus.
House-elves are undoubtedly the closest to wizards.
They all wore exquisite and luxurious butler or servant uniforms, lived in houses one size smaller than human houses, and some even owned family vehicles—similar to dog sleds (with floating cargo beds).
Closer still are the numerous fountains and gardens inside and around the castle complex, inhabited by large groups of elves and fairies.
Elves and fairies are two completely different magical creatures.
The fairies are only the size of a palm, all of them have wings, and almost all of them are female. They wear beautiful colorful dresses and carry a star wand or a foxtail grass wand.
It is said that fairies are born from flowers, and if the young wizards at school are sincere enough, they can make a wish upon them.
They look like they stepped out of a fairy tale.
In contrast, there are far more types of elves, the smallest being the size of a thumb and the largest about the size of a human, and most of them are naked.
Generally speaking, most Pokémon species do not have wings.
For example, gnomes, which look like potatoes and like to carry fishing rod-like branches, are most commonly found in wizarding family gardens and vegetable patches, and are always treated as pests and driven away.
In Beauxbatons, they thrived peacefully, digging a vast goblin kingdom underground. (This information comes from recollections of Beauxbatons graduates collected by Rita and may not be entirely accurate. It's said that a particularly eloquent classmate successfully persuaded these goblins to become pieces in their Wizard's Chess game.)
Singing mermaids and water sprites, spotted frogs that help find things, pure and noble-looking unicorns and rune horses, a patrol of giants as large as mountains —
This is Beauxbatons, with its fairytale-like scenery.
early morning.
The creeping vines climbing by the window rustled in the breeze like a piano, their delicate patterns creating a melodious sound. On the rocky shore of the small lake beside the principal's white house, a mermaid combed her long, golden hair, humming a song; Lockhart, unusually lazy, leaned against the headboard, unwilling to get up.
He shifted his position, leaning against the window, where he could see the mermaid's white skin shimmering with golden scales in the morning light. The only thing on her upper body was a pair of seashells that seemed to be about to fall off, enticing humans to approach her.
It looks very tempting, as long as it doesn't sing.
It's not that the singing is bad, but when the mouth is open, there are three rows of small, sharp teeth, which looks creepy.
Lockhart stared at it mainly because he sensed a subtle connection between himself and the mermaid within the "home" constructed by blood magic.
"This relationship" began to change dramatically after he arrived last night and, with the help of his house-elves, signed the magical documents to take over as principal and run the school.
It's closer, and it's more real.
He beckoned, and parchment from a nearby shelf floated over. A quill automatically filled its inkwell with ink and flew to the parchment to record.
The changes produced by magic are mysterious and ethereal; only when they are grounded in reality do they become real and vibrant.
Vitality is a very important aspect of Lockhart's magical philosophy.
I stood there in a daze for a while when an owl flapped its wings and flew over, passing through the open window to the bedside, raising one of its claws to grasp the letter.
It was sent by Professor Audrey Lemaître.
"The house-elf who manages the school's chores told me that you officially moved into Beauxbatons last night. If you have time today, I'd like to give you a tour of the school and tell you about its history."
Ms. Audrey was always so enthusiastic.
Lockhart finally struggled to get up, exuding an inexplicable languor. Following his heart, he put on his purple wizard robe pajamas embroidered with silver crescent moons, brushed his teeth and washed his face, and then lazily wandered aimlessly around the school.
Since his transmigration, he seems to have been constantly busy, never daring to stop for a moment.
At this moment, I finally relaxed.
This made him seem somewhat sluggish.
It took him a while to realize, "Oh, is this what it feels like to come home?"
Home----
Such a fascinating topic.
He drew his wand, carefully sensing the subtle connection between himself and his home. The wand glowed, as if helping him measure the scale within it.
"This feeling—"
He closed his eyes, smelled the earthy scent of the grass, and listened to the flapping of animals in the breeze. Gradually, he felt so comfortable that he almost fell asleep.
And so came this inexplicable realization—home is a place where the soul finds rest.
Here, people can find the self that they have gradually forgotten amidst the ups and downs of life, and then place it here to receive the most peaceful nourishment.
It was only at this moment that he truly understood why Dumbledore and Voldemort cared so much about Hogwarts.
They were all homeless, so they made that school their home, finding peace and solace there.
Lockhart's feelings were more complicated. He was a time traveler, a traveler on a long journey. He had come to this fairy tale world, where everything was both strange and fascinating, yet also unfamiliar.
"fairy tale----"
Lockhart slowly opened his eyes, smiling as he gazed at the rolling mountains before him, at the castle and the scattered fountains, and gently raised his wand.
He longed to express himself.
There are too many indescribable emotions in my heart.
So he gently waved his wand.
The entire Beauxbatons, shrouded and concealed by magic, was shaking—a shaking of inspiration, as if some change was taking place.
A gentle breeze blows, pushing the clouds in the sky to drift, and the clouds gradually become more solid.
The earth also sings, gushing forth thick honey that gathers into rivers that meander among the hills.
As the Honey River meanders through the area, flowers bloom on both banks, quickly spreading outwards.
"Merlin's beard!"
Suddenly, a gasp came from beside me.
Lockhart turned his head and saw that Miss Audrey had somehow arrived in front of him and was now staring in disbelief at the scene unfolding before her.
"What...what is this?"
"The name of this magic is 'I Have a Home in the Fairy Tale World'."
Lockhart's voice was light and cheerful as he stroked his wand and looked at the scene before him with a smile. "Home in the fairy tale world is a wonderful place. There, crystal-clear honey flows in the rivers, cotton candy-like clouds float in the sky, and flowers bloom all over the ground."
This is like a fairy tale.
No, this is not a fairy tale at all!
Miss Audrey was stunned; she felt that what she was seeing was nothing short of a miracle.
She took a few steps forward, squatted down, and reached out a finger to touch the honey in the river. She dipped a little in, looked at it, then put it in her mouth, and was immediately shocked. "Gidero, is this really honey?!?"
Lohat nodded.
"But where did they come from?" Audrey asked, puzzled.
Lockhart shrugged. "I don't know either. All I know is that the house in the fairy tale world needs this. Everything else is left to magic; it will do the work for me."
It's like the things that were cleaned up by the "cleaning" magic—where did they all go? Or, a wrongly recited levitation spell can conjure up a cow—nobody knows where it came from.
"Perhaps, sometimes when we remain a little indifferent and don't think about the underlying principles of mystery, we are more able to touch the mystery itself," Lockhart said with a smile.
Miss Audrey stopped asking questions and simply observed her surroundings with interest. Then, she saw a cloud being blown by the wind towards a hilltop, tumbling on the ground. She blinked and exclaimed, "Is that cotton candy?"
Lockhart was also curious. "Let's go take a look."
The clouds chased the direction the wind had gone, and the two of them chased the clouds until they finally arrived in front of each other.
He reached out and grabbed a piece from the cloud.
"It really is!"
Miss Audrey stared blankly at the scene, then suddenly looked up at the sky with some worry, "Without clouds, how will it rain?"
"There have been some changes. I just cast a spell, and not all of the rivers in Beauxbatons have turned into honey, nor have the clouds in the sky."
His will was strong, and the magic that included Beauxbatons in the "family" covenant was also wonderful, but Beauxbatons himself had some powerful protective magic that was resisting his spellcasting.
"I can't fully control this school yet."
Lockhart was implying something.
Miss Audrey knew what he meant; those pure-blood families and old fogies from the Ministry of Magic had invited Lockhart to the party, clearly intending to exert some influence.
She simply looked at Lockhart with admiration and murmured, "Don't worry, they will know how to respect your will and your ideas."
Lockhart couldn't help but feel a little worried. He was well aware of his own magical prowess, but this society was clearly not just about magic.
"You can persuade them; there's an old saying in the wizarding world: magic is might. They'll be happy to listen to your persuasion."
Since they happened to meet, Lockhart invited Miss Audrey to show him around the school.
"Beauxbatons is both glorified and trapped by its classical traditions."
"Many people are looking forward to changes at this school. Everyone knows that some changes are needed. Generations of principals have tried to make changes, but none of them have succeeded."
Miss Audrey's steps were light and cheerful. "Actually, many people are looking forward to your arrival."
"We await the arrival of the great Lord Lockhart in loyal Beauxbatons!"
"You're making me blush," Lockhart said, his face flushing at the flattery.
Audrey just smiled shyly. "I'll take you to the principal's office first. After you signed the official documents last night, you'll be able to obtain some control magic and privileges regarding the school there, such as the ability to use Apparition without any obstacles."
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