The Hag's Lair, Knockturn Alley, ~5 years ago
Harry looked around the memory, viewing it from Lockhart's perspective. The pub, which he recognised from his own wanderings in the dark alley, was hardly visible in the torrential rain, the few street lamps blown out by the harsh winds. Walking in, Harry noticed Lockhart was afraid of the sparse occupants of the old pub and soon found himself settled into a corner with a warm mulled cider for comfort while he waited out the storm. Harry, from the memories he had stolen from the man's mind, knew Lockhart needed to pick up a book from a nearby shop - that was the reason he was seeking shelter and waiting. Soon, however, the reason why Harry had his interest piqued walked in. Harry felt the memory of Lockhart look up, shocked when he recognised the old man under the dark cloak. The rest of the rooms occupants didn't look up, used to looking the other way, so Dumbledore's entrance was only noted by Lockhart.
Dumbledore was dressed in a way Harry had never seen before. Gone were the bright and garish robes and in their place was a dark cloak, the colour of which he couldn't make out in the poor lighting. Harry watched as the professor looked around with shrewd eyes before walking towards the stairs with purpose. Harry felt Lockhart's interest spike as he rose to follow the man; he didn't fear being found as everybody knew the headmaster was the beacon of Light in the magic world.
Following the old man, Harry noted how Lockhart's excitement grew, the fool thinking he would find out some juicy gossip or perhaps some important secrets. Letting Dumbledore enter the room, Harry noticed how it took Lockhart four fumbled attempts to cast an eavesdropper charm and overhear the conversation going on inside. "The world needs to know what you did, Albus! Who you were!"
"They were the mistakes of a child. I am a different man now, a better man."
"A man who has never paid for his crimes!"
"Would you really destroy all I have worked for?"
"When it is built on lies and deceit? On the suffering of others? Yes!"
Lockhart had heard enough and with a flourish, he opened the door, his wand raised. "Obliviate!" he shouted, pointing the wand at the surprisingly young woman.
Harry was fascinated as he watched the memories of her discoveries disappear as they were removed with the spell and her eyes go glassy. He didn't recognise her from this life or his last, but he studied her features and vowed to himself he would find her and find out what it was she knew. After a while he turned his attention to the headmaster, who had turned and drew his wand when the door opened.
"What is the meaning of this?" he asked Lockhart.
"A debt, headmaster," he said almost gleefully. Harry thoughts of a agreement.
picked mutually
up
on his beneficial
Harry watched as the headmaster looked between the woman and Lockhart. "A debt?" he asked.
The memory faded then as Harry lost interest in the terms. However, the two came up with an Unbreakable Vow and agreed to help one another.
Pulling out of the memory, Harry allowed himself to filter through the man's thoughts once again, only catching glimpses of them but not delving in fully like he had just previously. Another thought quickly caught his eye, but unlike before, it wasn't such a mystery as he was in it. After a few moments Harry felt his smile become almost feral as he realised he had found what he was looking for.
~
The Great Hall, Hogwarts Witchcraft and Wizardry
School
of
Harry, once again, found himself viewing the memory from Lockhart's perspective. This time, however, he knew exactly where he was and even when he was as he was watching himself. Viewing yourself was quite a disconcerting experience; he was actually rather fascinated seeing how he walked and interacted. Looking at the memory of himself, Harry realised just how different he was from the old Harry Potter—not just his looks, but his mannerisms and his confidence: Gone was the lost little boy.
However, Harry soon focused again on why he was here and allowed Lockhart's thoughts to filter in. Gilderoy had watched the boy for days; he and his little friends didn't understand just who they were messing with. He was the Gilderoy Lockhart: Order of Merlin Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defence League, and five-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile award! He was what mere wizards aspired to be yet Harry Potter thought he could take him on and win? On no, he would make the boy pay for humiliating him.
He knew he was done for - even Albus couldn't get him out now. The DMLE was coming for him thanks to the brat. How he had known, Gilderoy didn't know. He was careful when covering his tracks, yet Harry bloody Potter hadn't bought his act from day one. He had set his murderous godfather on him and that pompous Death Eater then that evil wrench Skeeter. He knew he would be caught, but he refused to go down without taking that brat with him!
Looking back at the group, he clenched his fist. The boy had everything Gilderoy wished for: money, fame, friends, looks, charm—yet he didn't even try! He didn't deserve any of it. Looking at them, he noted how the small blonde girl seemed to gravitate to Potter and how the boy allowed her to drape over him with no concern. He had taught her a few times - she was a Ravenclaw like Potter. Linda? No, Lucy? Not quite... Luna. Yes, Luna Lovegood.
Staring at the pair, Lockhart started to plot. What better way to destroy Potter than to go through the person he clearly loved the most?
The line of thought had Harry snarling silently before he calmed himself down and let Lockhart's thoughts filter back in.
'Potter thought he was untouchable as the Heir to a Noble House. Well, I'll show him.'
Harry watched as the plans were built. Lockhart targeted Luna because of how close they were, though the thought made Harry tilt his head. While Luna was probably the closest of his friends simply because she knew so much, he loved them all equally.
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