Eavesdropping on professors and important people talking was clearly against school rules. If caught, there was even a risk of expulsion.
For such a dangerous task, Harry and his two friends were more than willing. They had already tasted success from adventures, and the curiosity to spy on professors and important figures completely overshadowed the fear of being kicked out.
The three skillfully took out their invisibility cloaks, held their breath, and moved towards the courtyard.
As soon as they reached the courtyard entrance, they heard Fudge exclaim loudly, "Wow, heavens! Is this a basilisk's tooth? Amazing, this is truly amazing!"
In front of him lay two fangs, several feet long, the only remains left by the basilisk.
"The venom groove with spiral patterns between the teeth, these are indeed basilisk teeth," the assistant beside him nodded in confirmation.
This assistant was named Yax, a new researcher at the Ministry of Magic's Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Having just started this year, he hadn't actually seen Jellall before.
"Minister Fudge, do you think our Hogwarts would spread such false news?" Professor McGonagall, with her straightforward nature, was annoyed seeing Fudge actually bringing someone to verify the basilisk's authenticity.
"No, of course not," Fudge shook his head with a chuckle. "This is just a necessary procedure, we have to be professional, don't we?"
"That's right, I also think professionalism is very important!" Just as Fudge finished speaking, Lockhart, dressed like a peacock displaying its feathers, slowly walked in from the entrance on the right. "Every department should strive for professionalism!"
"Damn it, now all four of them are gathered!" Ron's face twisted in pain as he looked at Lockhart. "This is a truly terrible sight!"
"But Professor Zickrein is also there, we just need to watch him," Hermione whispered.
In fact, she was focusing all her attention on Zickrein, even subconsciously ignoring everyone else, including Dumbledore.
"Hey, he's a man! I'm not into that!" Ron's expression grew more troubled, and he said in helplessness, "I'm already starting to feel a bit sick. Just looking at Lockhart makes me instinctively disgusted!"
"Ron, I remember you're supposed to report to Lockhart's office tonight," Harry Potter suddenly interjected. "You promised to help him organize documents."
"Oh, heavens!" Ron clutched his head and lowered his voice. "Why do you have to remind me of this terrible fact? My life is already bad enough!"
At this moment, Hermione and Harry looked at him with sympathy. Having to spend time in the same room with someone they found disgusting, and for at least a few hours, this punishment was more terrifying than being locked in a dark room.
Meanwhile, Lockhart, walking in the courtyard, was clearly unaware that some young wizards inside were already thinking of him as more repulsive than a bursting toad. He strutted and offered a courtly bow to Fudge and Malfoy. "It's a pleasure to see you, Minister Fudge, Mr. Malfoy!"
"Oh, esteemed Mr. Lockhart!" Fudge extended his hand with a wide smile and grasped Lockhart's tightly. "I've read all your works; you are a truly remarkable master of anti-dark magic."
Lockhart feigned humility, but the smile on his face bloomed like a flower bud. "I was just doing what I should do, Minister Fudge. We can't stand by and watch someone in trouble; that wouldn't be in line with our principles!"
"Excellent, very excellent!" Fudge nodded in agreement. "You are indeed a great man, a very great man! Now, could you please tell me, what is this about the basilisk at Hogwarts?"
Fudge wanted to know the truth, but he knew that the other professors at Hogwarts would never tell him honestly. Only this so-called great writer seemed easier to fool.
"Of course, this is not a difficult matter..."
Before Lockhart could get to the point, Professor McGonagall spoke up, "Professor Lockhart was not directly involved, his account may be inaccurate."
Naturally, the Hogwarts professors wouldn't tell Fudge and Malfoy the real story, as they needed to protect Ginny, Cedric, and the other young wizards involved.
Furthermore, this matter also concerned Voldemort and the Horcruxes, so it had to be handled with extreme caution.
"No, even if I wasn't directly involved, I understand the entire event perfectly!" Lockhart retorted loudly, not wanting anyone to interrupt his grand performance. "Yes, I know everything! All of it, everything!"
"You..." McGonagall was about to say more, but Dumbledore, standing beside her, interrupted. "Let him speak, Minerva. I'm sure Professor Lockhart's eloquence will make the account of the incident even more vivid."
Cough, cough.
With Dumbledore's permission, Lockhart cleared his throat and laid out the entire event in an easily understandable way. Of course, there were some exaggerated embellishments.
For instance, he portrayed himself as going from hesitant to heroic in his confrontation with the basilisk, and from having done nothing to being the main force in defeating it. McGonagall's brows furrowed as she listened, her wand almost rising.
Shameless!
This man was the epitome of shamelessness! To speak such nonsense in front of them, wasn't this absurd?
Similarly, Fudge himself also found Lockhart's words to be utter nonsense. The Minister of Magic could no longer maintain his outward calm and composure, and loudly interrupted Lockhart's story. "Nonsense, you are simply spouting nonsense! This is false, I don't believe it!"
"What?" Lockhart was stunned for a moment, then quickly said, "No! I can guarantee that every word I've said is true!"
"Shut up, Lockhart!" Fudge's expression became increasingly agitated, even letting out a roar. "Impossible! A manifestation of the Dark Lord, something like that doesn't exist! The Dark Lord is dead, completely dead! You are a liar!"
"I swear, I saw it with my own eyes!" Even facing the Minister of Magic, Lockhart knew he couldn't falter at this moment. If he denied what he had said now, he would be finished.
After all, Rita was recording the entire conversation beside them. If he denied himself now, the label of liar would be cemented.
For the sake of his future, he absolutely could not lose his nerve at this moment.
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