Inside the Headmaster's Office.
Hearing Dumbledore mention a robe, Lucien was a little surprised. A robe? An award?
If it was an award, then combined with Dumbledore's earlier mention of his Transfiguration papers, it was likely something in that field.
Lucien thought for a moment. If it was a Transfiguration award, it was probably issued by the Transfiguration Today Association, the most authoritative organisation in the field of Transfiguration in the magical world.
Whether it was publishing papers or receiving awards, his reputation in the magical world would undoubtedly rise significantly, which would also benefit the sale of his alchemy and potion products.
Lucien recalled reading in a book that this award also came with a physical medal called the Ring of All Things, described as a magical item with rather special properties. He very much wanted to study it.
"Headmaster, I do have the formal robes you mentioned. I had them custom-made at Twilfitt and Tattings in Diagon Alley. As for the award, are you referring to the Ring of All Things granted by the Transfiguration Today Association?"
Hearing Lucien's question, Dumbledore nodded. There was indeed such an award from the Transfiguration Today Association, but there was also another matter…
Dumbledore decided not to mention it yet, keeping it as a surprise for Lucien. It would likely be revealed around Halloween or Christmas.
"You've been attending classes for some time now, Lucien. What do you think of the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor?"
What did he think of Lockhart?
Was there even a need to ask?
Lucien answered directly,
"Headmaster, are you aware that so far, Lockhart hasn't conducted any real magical instruction? Not just for our year—based on what I've learned, it's the same for the upper years as well. He only talks about the books he's written, and even asks students to come up and perform."
"This doesn't seem like what a teacher—or more specifically, a Defence Against the Dark Arts professor—should be doing, does it?"
Dumbledore folded his hands, his tone calm.
"Every teacher has his own teaching style. Professor Lockhart has rich experience and has faced many dark creatures. Those valuable experiences are worth learning from."
Looking into Dumbledore's bright blue eyes, Lucien sighed.
"Headmaster, you—the greatest wizard of this century—truly can't see the flaws in those experiences?"
Lucien did not believe for a moment that Dumbledore couldn't see through Lockhart's façade.
Regardless of his magical ability, with over a hundred years of experience and his wisdom, how could he fail to notice the problem with that fraud?
People need confidence, but Lockhart's foundation could not support his reputation.
Silence fell over the Headmaster's Office.
After a long while, Dumbledore picked up a sweet and spoke slowly.
"Besides magic, students can also learn other things. Not only virtues and responsibilities, but also negative lessons."
"Lucien, I understand your dissatisfaction. You wish to learn truly meaningful knowledge. Perhaps Lockhart cannot satisfy you in that regard. If you have questions about Defence Against the Dark Arts, you may ask me during our afternoon tea."
After Dumbledore finished speaking, Lucien continued to hold his gaze.
"Headmaster, I would be happy to learn from you, but what about the others?"
"I have always believed Hogwarts is a place of learning, and students should acquire the knowledge they need here, no matter who they are."
"Are you truly going to sacrifice an entire academic year, using a 'fraud' to teach students life lessons such as honesty?"
Lucien emphasised the word "fraud."
"Leaving aside other years, what about the fifth-years and seventh-years? They are preparing for crucial exams that will affect their future. Defence Against the Dark Arts carries significant weight."
Hearing Lucien's words, Dumbledore could not help but smile wryly.
"Alas… but you must have heard something about the curse placed on our Defence Against the Dark Arts position. It is, in fact, real."
"So others are quite afraid of this position, and it's very difficult to recruit a teacher every year. This year…"
Dumbledore shook his head helplessly.
"This year, only one person—Lockhart—applied for the position."
Only Lockhart?
Not necessarily. Given Snape's persistence, he likely applied for the Defence Against the Dark Arts position every year.
Lucien's eyes narrowed slightly, suspecting that Dumbledore simply did not want Snape to fall victim to the curse, especially since Snape still needed to act as a double agent for Voldemort.
It seemed that Dumbledore had no intention of actively replacing Lockhart.
In that case, Lucien would use his own method to make this professor "retire" early and replace him with someone who could actually teach.
Judging by Lockhart's progress with the diary, it might even happen faster than in the original story.
Tsk. An adult, yet so easily deceived.
"Headmaster, if that's the case, then there's nothing more to be done. You have your difficulties."
Dumbledore took a sip of honey water, thinking Lucien was being reasonable and understanding, but Lucien's next words nearly made him choke.
"So, Headmaster, you could start looking for a new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor earlier, couldn't you? After all, given the nature of the curse, Lockhart will last at most one year, and he might even leave earlier. It's best to prepare in advance, isn't it?"
Why did it sound as though Lockhart's fate was already sealed?
Seeing that Dumbledore actually seemed to consider this suggestion, Lucien felt satisfied that the precaution had been put in place.
The two then chatted for a while about the conflict between the Gryffindor and Slytherin teams that morning.
It still revolved around pure-blood discrimination against half-bloods and Muggle-born wizards. Lucien mentioned the possibility that some pure-blood parents might come to Hogwarts to stir up trouble, and Dumbledore clearly stated that as long as he was there, Hogwarts would not be dominated by pure-blood ideology.
Lucien had no doubt about that. Even if those pure-blood families were dissatisfied with Dumbledore, they would not dare truly overturn the table.
Because without rules to restrain them, they would only be gambling that Dumbledore could not eliminate all of them before exhausting his magic.
After bidding farewell to Dumbledore, Lucien left the Headmaster's Office.
Walking through the castle, he occasionally greeted people he knew.
As he walked, he saw Lockhart, still dressed flamboyantly, his silver-blue robes gleaming so brightly that people had to squint.
Lockhart still wore that row of medals on his chest, and in the most prominent position was, of course, the Order of Merlin. Although only Third Class, it was still the most valuable award Lockhart had received.
Lucien glanced at it, naturally noticing the golden, cross-shaped starburst medal.
The Order of Merlin.
Wait—the Order of Merlin?
A thought flashed through Lucien's mind, accompanied by a sudden spark of inspiration.
If it was about achievements in Transfiguration, did he also have a chance to receive the Order of Merlin?
________
(^///^) Please support this fic and also read 12 chapters ahead at Patreon.com/DrakDevil1