Tom Riddle couldn't locate the basilisk, and Dena remained entirely unaware of its whereabouts.
He was now completely immersed in a sea of magical knowledge—specifically, magic arrays.
"Professor McGonagall, thank you for lending me those materials. They were incredibly helpful," Dena said politely as he returned the notes on advanced magic arrays that McGonagall had borrowed from a colleague.
The two exited the Transfiguration office together.
"Dena, it's good to be studious," Professor McGonagall said with a hint of concern, "but do you have enough energy to keep this up?"
"Don't worry, Professor. The second-year curriculum isn't too difficult for me. I already learned most of it while in Azkaban. The only difference is that there were no textbooks there—only experience."
Professor McGonagall frowned slightly.
"You must be careful to distinguish what you've learned. Not everything from those bad seeds should be trusted, child. Be cautious. Their influence can be subtle, but dangerous."
"I understand, Professor," Dena replied seriously.
As they continued their conversation, Gilderoy Lockhart passed by, humming cheerfully.
"Good afternoon, Professor McGonagall!" he greeted.
She offered a curt nod, but Lockhart's attention shifted immediately to Dena.
"Oh, our Quidditch prodigy!" he beamed.
He seemed overly pleased to see him.
"Yesterday's Halloween feast was spectacular! But I didn't see you there, my dear boy. Remember, you should enjoy life when it's time to be happy. Don't bury your head in books and forget to live!"
Dena raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Thank you for the advice, Professor Lockhart."
But the next moment, Dena froze in place.
Yesterday was Halloween. According to the original storyline, that would have been the day the basilisk claimed its first victim—Filch's beloved cat, Mrs. Norris, would've been petrified, and the "Heir of Slytherin" would leave a terrifying message on the wall.
Yet, the basilisk had already been killed—by Dena himself.
The sequence of events from the original timeline… would not occur.
That meant Lockhart wouldn't have his memory charm rebound off Ron's broken wand and accidentally erase his own memory. He wouldn't end up in St. Mungo's, much less Azkaban. That whole arc was derailed.
Dena wasn't even sure whether Dumbledore knew the truth about Lockhart—how he plagiarized others' accomplishments. But one thing was clear: Lockhart couldn't be left to roam freely. He needed to be dealt with. He needed to be sent to Azkaban.
Dena had been so consumed by designing the defensive magic array for New Town lately, he'd almost forgotten his bigger objective—revenge.
The array needed to be flawless. After all, it was critical to Dena's upcoming scam plan. But that didn't mean he could neglect Donna Avery. No, her punishment still had to happen.
He decided right then: he'd refocus some energy on it.
Or maybe… he could speed up the plot?
Perhaps he could act as the basilisk himself?
Other transmigrators end up as babysitters. Me? I become the boss villain. That does sound kind of fun.
But after some thought, he dismissed the idea. There was no real need for theatrics.
Even if the "basilisk" reappeared, the story wouldn't play out the same. Too much had already changed. For one, the Weasleys were now rich. Ron had a brand-new wand. Although they had still crashed into the Whomping Willow with the flying car, Ron's wand didn't snap this time.
So Lockhart wouldn't be forced into exposing himself by accident.
No. This time, Dena would take matters into his own hands.
"Professor Lockhart!" he called, jogging a few steps to catch up.
"Ah! We meet again! Dena!" Lockhart said, beaming as always.
Dena smiled politely.
"I was so absorbed in studying at the beginning of the term, I never got the chance to tell you that I'm actually a big fan of your books."
"Really?" Lockhart lit up like a Christmas tree.
Being adored by Hogwarts' latest golden boy was music to his ears.
"This is wonderful news! Truly! Ah, Dena, you've got excellent taste!"
Dena ignored the greasy grin and continued smoothly.
"I've followed your work closely, Professor. I also read about your recent marriage in the Daily Prophet—your wife, Donna Avery, is said to be quite an extraordinary witch. Will your next book be a romantic memoir about your love story?"
"Her…" Lockhart's expression flickered with a flash of irritation, but his smile stayed fixed in place.
"She's a fine companion," he said finally, "and takes care of me well. But I've already decided on the theme of my next book. I was inspired by a certain great wizard and will be chronicling my brilliant career as a professor at Hogwarts!"
Dena sighed dramatically.
"What a pity! I saw your wedding photos in the Daily Prophet, and I was so envious! You could just tell how much she adores you. She looked so cautious, almost submissive in those pictures. For a lady from one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight families to be that humble—she must love you deeply!"
Lockhart's smug grin widened. Even the esteemed Donna Avery had bent to his charm.
Although she'd recently caused him to lose face and forced him to retreat to Hogwarts to avoid the media storm…
Although she had somehow drawn the ire of the mysterious young wizard now standing before him—resulting in him being besieged by a mob of crazed fans…
Still, Lockhart couldn't deny that Donna had been devoted.
"Oh yes, Dena! Your observation is absolutely spot-on!" Lockhart said proudly.
"You're quite right—Donna adores me. No matter what happens, she always puts me first! Look!"
He opened his robe collar, pointing to an object inside.
"See that? It's an amulet she made for me by hand. It's not expensive, but look—her fingers were full of needle marks after making it! Silly woman…"
Dena put on a look of amazement.
"Wow! You really are incredible, Professor Lockhart! Your charm is irresistible! When I'm older, you must share your wisdom with me!"
"Hahaha! Of course, of course! But before that, I believe we can combine our fame and make quite a splash!"
"I'd be honored," Dena said smoothly. "You're the expert when it comes to publicity. I'll follow your lead."
"Then it's settled!" Lockhart beamed. "After this school year, let's give the wizarding world a shock it'll never forget!"
"I look forward to it, Professor."
After parting ways with Lockhart, Dena's polite smile slowly faded into something sharper.
Love.
Love was such a useful tool.
If Lockhart's wife loved him deeply, that was good.
But it wasn't enough.
Lockhart should treat Donna so well that she fell even more in love with him. Obsessively so. Her devotion should become complete, consuming.
Only then, when it was all taken away—when Lockhart was exposed and destroyed—could the heartbreak truly be devastating.
Love that is unforgettable… must lead to pain that is unforgettable.
And pain—true pain—was the beginning of vengeance.
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