"I admit, your abilities exceed my imagination."
Little V looked at Hermione, confusion on his face.
"But I still don't understand—why help me? What's your real objective?"
"My objective?" Hermione smiled. "I just don't like the current state of the wizarding world."
That was true.
But there was another reason.
She wouldn't tell Little V that she'd taken a liking to his Dark Magic R&D talents and wanted him as a dedicated developer while she reaped the benefits.
Little V nodded.
Suddenly, he realized something.
This seemingly harmless little girl was even better at manipulation than he was—a Dark Lord who specialized in it.
A manipulator had been manipulated!
Worse yet, he found her arguments convincing!
"So, what's your plan?" Little V finally asked after a long pause.
"Let's start with the Chamber of Secrets."
"First, we need a real Heir of Slytherin."
Hermione smiled faintly, a hint of cunning in her eyes.
Lucius, since you love blood purity so much, you shouldn't mind your son becoming the recognized Heir of Slytherin, right?
"Then, you'll need to cooperate with me. Put on a show." She continued.
"Fine."
Little V had no objections. At this point, he had no say anyway.
Seeing Little V so compliant, Hermione nodded with satisfaction and activated the Magic Book again. Another surge of Soul Energy flowed out.
This time, Little V's form became even more solid.
Feeling the change, Little V's eyes lit up with excitement.
He tried picking up a quill from the table—and succeeded!
Though it took effort, at least he was no longer just an ethereal memory.
He could even use simple magic now.
This meant he was beginning to regain power!
"By the way," Hermione suddenly interrupted his excitement.
"Do you know where the Room of Requirement is and how to open it?"
Now.
"Since the Petrification incident is resolved, I won't intrude further."
Noticing Hermione's attention, Lockhart forced a smile onto his face.
He just wanted to leave this dangerous place as quickly as possible.
"Professor Lockhart."
Luna's dreamy voice came from behind him.
Lockhart stiffly turned around to see Luna holding her wand.
"I suggest you listen to what Hermione has to say."
Luna's tone was calm.
Only then did Lockhart realize—Luna and Hermione were working together!
He swallowed hard, cold sweat forming on his forehead.
"Professor Lockhart, don't be nervous."
Hermione's voice carried a soothing quality.
She slowly walked up to Lockhart, her usual smile in place.
"Having Luna bring you here was my idea. I need your help with something."
"Me?"
Lockhart pointed at himself, bewildered.
He couldn't fathom what help a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor who only knew how to talk big could possibly provide.
"That's right."
Hermione nodded.
"Now, you have two choices."
She held up two fingers.
"Choice one."
"You, Gilderoy Lockhart, through superior intellect and keen observation, uncovered the truth behind Hogwarts' recent Petrification attacks."
"You discovered that the mastermind was none other than the infamous Voldemort!"
"As an excellent Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, you courageously ventured into the Chamber of Secrets alone."
"There, you engaged in a thrilling battle with the terrifying basilisk and successfully killed it!"
"You also destroyed Voldemort's Horcrux, completely crushing his scheme!"
"You saved all the students in danger, including Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Ginny Weasley."
"You became Hogwarts' hero, earning everyone's respect and admiration!"
Hermione's voice rose and fell dramatically, as if narrating an epic tale.
"Everyone present can testify for you."
She added.
Lockhart listened, stunned.
This was exactly the script he'd dreamed of!
No—it was better than any autobiography he'd ever written!
"Of course, there's a price."
Hermione's tone shifted.
"As Hogwarts' hero, you'll have to resign from your teaching position."
"Because you believe the current Ministry of Magic is corrupt and needs your reform!"
"You'll need to take a position at the Ministry. Perhaps even run for Minister!"
Hermione's voice dripped with temptation, painting a beautiful vision of the future.
"Of course, we'll help you handle various problems behind the scenes."
"And the second choice...?"
Lockhart asked cautiously.
"The second choice..."
Hermione deliberately drew out her words.
Lockhart's heart leapt into his throat as he waited nervously.
"I become the hero."
Hermione said casually.
"And you, Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, though you tried valiantly to rescue your students in the Chamber, the enemy was too powerful. You died heroically and will be forever remembered by all of Hogwarts."
A chill ran from Lockhart's feet to the top of his head.
He had no doubt that if he chose this option, Hermione would send him to his death without hesitation.
After all, for this "Witch," killing didn't seem particularly difficult.
"I choose the first one!"
Lockhart blurted out.
Are you kidding? Compared to his life, what were fame and status?
Besides, the first option wasn't entirely without benefits.
According to Hermione's script, he'd not only become Hogwarts' hero but could also enter the Ministry and even run for Minister!
This was the pinnacle he'd always dreamed of!
Though he knew Hermione had ulterior motives and he'd likely be used as a puppet.
But at least he'd be alive. He could still enjoy fame and status.
And thinking carefully, the Chamber incident was indeed a golden opportunity.
Whether for writing books, gaining fame, or running for office—the possibilities were endless.
"Excellent."
Hermione nodded with satisfaction.
She'd known Lockhart would make this choice.
After all, for this vain, narcissistic man, the lure of fame and fortune was always effective.
Hermione wasn't worried about Lockhart backing out later either.
She had plenty of ways to control him.
Looking at Lockhart—both excited and terrified—Hermione suddenly remembered something.
Did I just help old Voldemort indirectly fulfill his curse?
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