The sudden appearance of the house-elf Dobby made Harry uneasy. Lockhart felt the same.
Since the last Quidditch match, Lockhart had been praised by Gryffindors—but the other three Houses remained wary. After all, someone digging a student's bones didn't resemble a professor's honorable use of magic.
Lockhart's "Hero Professor" image was faltering. He'd planned a live interview with The Daily Prophet to publicize his heroic detailing of events, but reporter Rita Skeeter never showed up—or replied to his letters. To make matters worse, student Robert Ollivander—the very student he supposedly rescued—was cold and ungrateful. He even publicly belittled Lockhart multiple times.
Lockhart, convinced he'd saved Robert with a "human-restoring charm" (a charm he didn't even know), was desperate to reclaim his reputation. He toyed with the idea of announcing the Basilisk's existence—a Basilisk unseen for centuries at Hogwarts—and positioning himself as its discoverer, hoping for instant fame. He'd even drafted chapter titles in his head, like Dancing with the Basilisk.
But the plan collapsed. Dumbledore had ordered all professors to keep the Basilisk matter secret, fearing mass panic. In Lockhart's eyes, this was nonsense—Dumbledore merely refused to admit his own error. "If Dumbledore had caught the Basilisk himself, why would he hide it?" Lockhart raged internally.
He stood glowering at the portraits in his office—they watched him as though mocking him. After pacing for an hour, a new idea struck him. He straightened up, left the room, and marched up to the Principal's office on the eighth floor.
The next day, on his way to Charms class, Robert noticed a crowd by the bulletin board. Curious, he squeezed through—someone was shouting about a Dueling Club.
"Robert!" Seamus greeted him excitedly. "They're starting a Dueling Club to teach students self-defense."
Robert frowned. "So what? It has nothing to do with that attack on me, does it?"
"Seen the announcement?" Seamus asked. Robert glanced at the posted notice:
"Robert Ollivander's experience shows why learning combat techniques is vital..."
He sighed in resignation—Lockhart was once again riding on someone else's story. Why the obsession? Was the "Boy Who Lived" no longer fashionable? Why focus on Robert's petrification, when he'd only been frozen for a few minutes—and had bravely faced a Basilisk at all?
Still, some sympathy had grown for Robert, though he knew he'd snapped out of petrification in under five minutes—a miracle for a second-year. He caught Seamus's eye as classmates asked if he'd join.
"Count me in," Robert replied, smirking. "Let's see what tricks Lockhart has."
Seamus nodded. They were already planning to go together when Professor Flitwick arrived—he'd been Dueling Champion twice in his youth. But Flitwick dodged questions. "Not sure yet," he hedged with a smile.
That evening, Robert went early to the Great Hall. Tables were shoved to the sides, and a large golden stage stood against the wall. Harry, Hermione, Ron, and others were already gathered.
"Is that a camera?" Harry asked, noticing Robert holding a familiar device. "Borrowed from Colin?"
Robert grinned. "Yeah. I'll sell photos to Wizarding Weekly—profit, 'n all."
Five minutes later, the doors swung open and Lockhart swept in in magenta robes, with Flitwick beside him. Flitwick looked awkwardly short and plainly dressed—kind of like a house-elf next to the flamboyant professor.
"You see," Lockhart announced, "I once entered the Dueling Championship myself. Had to withdraw at the finals because I was called to help in Bulgaria. It's my only regret." He dabbed his eye theatrically. "But tonight, I'll restore your Charms Professor's dignity!"
Flitwick scowled silently in solidarity with Hogwarts. Robert and the others wondered: Did Lockhart truly reach the championship finals? They'd never heard of that.
Both professors saluted each other, then raised their wands.
"One… two… three!"
They cast spells, and Lockhart flew backward mid-incantation, slamming into the wall and unconscious. Flitwick stood stunned.
"Uh…"
Wasn't this demonstration supposed to be choreographed? Flitwick cursed inwardly—he should've stunned lightly, not fully. Seeing Lockhart unconscious, he signaled for someone to take him to the Hospital Wing.
"Right, club continues," Flitwick announced. He guided students through the Stunning Spell and Expelliarmus. He paired them off to practice.
The club wrapped up close to ten, and Robert left reluctantly. What started as a joke turned into an hour of real magic learning—he'd earned a silent victory.
Lockhart didn't show up next day—his classes were replaced with silent reading.
"That was too embarrassing," Ron joked. "He's hiding in the Hospital Wing."
Hermione visited Lockhart; Madam Pomfrey said he'd awakened and left last night. Hermione returned to his office—still empty.
That evening, Lockhart reappeared. Hermione discovered him lying on the stone steps of the entrance hall, body rigid, face pale—like a vampire-stricken Muggle from his books. The young Wizards—even Hufflepuffs—were frightened to tears.
More disturbing: written in blood on his blue robes were unsettling words:
"The Chamber of Secrets has been opened!"
"The one who spreads power, the prophet who should not appear, the beginning and end of all disaster."
"Wielders of wands, beware."
A hush fell over Hogwarts.
That night, fear winged through the corridors faster than owls. Students whispered theories: Was it a Basilisk revenge attack? A Death Eater prank? A twisted trick by Lockhart himself?
In the Astronomy Tower, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Robert huddled under the stars.
"Why would someone write this on Lockhart?" Hermione asked, voice trembling.
Robert shuddered. "To scare wand-wielders. And by choosing Lockhart…"
"Because he's useless," Ron muttered.
Harry frowned at the blood—too precise, too symbolic. "Someone doesn't just want to scare people… they want attention."
Hermione nodded. "And the wording… 'prophet who should not appear'… seems… personal."
Robert added, "I don't like this. Ever since Flitwick taught us Expelliarmus, I feel like I can defend myself now. But the real danger is… someone's using words and fear as a weapon."
Harry offered a reassuring squeeze to Hermione's arm. "We'll figure it out. We always do."
They rose, determined to share details with Dumbledore in the morning.
Morning light filtered into Hogwarts. At breakfast, nervous murmurs spread. The staff board flashed with a new, stern announcement:
"Strict lockdown over all Hogwarts floors. No student outside their house common rooms past curfew. Students found endangering themselves or others will be immediately disciplined."
Lockhart was present, leaning heavily on a wand. His robes were cleaned, his expression pale but defiant.
"Professor," Harry whispered after breakfast, "are you… okay?"
Lockhart's shaky smile barely reached his eyes. "Never felt better, Harry. Just… a bit dramatic."
Hermione cleared her throat. "Has anyone… asked you what happened?"
Lockhart's eyes darted away. "I don't remember falling. I… just felt dizzy."
Hermione helped him steady himself. "Please, if you remember anything—anything at all—tell us."
Lockhart paused. "No… nothing. Just… someone threatening me."
Ron snorted quietly. "You're popular, you know—peaks the interest of some… eccentric fans."
Dumbledore's voice rang through the hall, echoing gently but firmly. "May I have your attention?"
The Great Hall returned to silence.
"Last night's events are deeply disturbing," Dumbledore began. "Blood messages are not to be taken lightly. We have reason to believe this is connected to the Basilisk's return… but in a manner more psychological and malicious than magical. I wish to assure you all that measures are being taken."
A hush fell.
Robert swallowed and raised his hand. "Professor Dumbledore—why attack Lockhart? What does he have to do with any of this?"
Dumbledore's eyes studied him kindly. "An important question. Lockhart is not the target. He is… a messenger. A message deliberately aimed at all wand-wielders."
Ron's eyes widened.
Harry leaned forward.
Dumbledore's gaze swept across them. "I fear someone is testing Hogwarts' defenses. We —all of us who carry wands —are being warned."
Hermione's voice quivered. "Warning us… to be careful?"
Dumbledore nodded. "To be vigilant. Hogwarts may be about to confront more than a Basilisk. Be alert. Report any suspicious activity immediately."
Robert looked at Dumbledore, then at his friends, and a new resolve lit in his eyes. Dueling and magic training had given them power—now they'd use it to protect themselves.
At that moment, the Dueling Club announcement board flickered in Dumbledore's mind. Lockhart intended it to champion himself, but now it would rally Hogwarts, led by the students.
Harry caught Robert's eye. "We'll help."
Robert nodded. "We'll learn. And we'll be ready."
End of Chapter 115.
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