Chapter 80 Anti-Dark Arts Alliance Gathering
Old Dumbledore never hesitated to leverage his influence to help others.
To ensure Lockhart finished his book as quickly as possible, he not only provided some information only he knew, but also decided to mobilize the school's teaching staff to participate in the "Hogwarts Chamber of Secrets Adventure," giving Lockhart more time.
Once he made a decision, he acted swiftly and decisively.
That very morning, during breakfast in the Great Hall, he had already discussed the matter with the heads of the various houses and made an announcement to the young wizards.
"At the start of the term, Professor Lockhart told me he hoped to bring something different to the young wizards of Hogwarts."
"He succeeded. We are so gratified to find that some of his attempts, guided by his unique and interesting 'fairy-tale romantic adventure' approach, have led to significant improvements in many young wizards' Defense Against the Dark Arts skills."
"Fairy-tale training, with outstanding results."
Dumbledore's hands rested on the outstretched wings of the owl carving on the lectern. His tall frame stood straight, his gaze gentle as he looked at the young wizards below, a smile gracing his face. "Now, he believes it's time to go a step further. Fairy-tale training for the latter half of this school year will be conducted under the theme of 'The Hogwarts Chamber of Secrets Adventure'."
"The heads of the houses and I have discussed this matter, and we unanimously agreed to link this year's House Cup to your performance in the adventure activities. Young wizards, go and win your glory!"
The young wizards below cheered. There was nothing more welcome to them than such a grand adventure.
This was exactly what "learning through play" meant.
Once the young wizards quieted down again with the prefects' busy efforts, Dumbledore continued, "Regarding this adventure, I have even more expectations for you."
As he spoke, he looked earnestly and sincerely at every tender yet vibrant face in front of him, his expression growing ever more gentle and benevolent. "I know that everyone is discussing the matter of the Chamber of Secrets at Hogwarts. We've heard many different opinions."
"But that's perfectly fine. I hope you understand that we will always encounter all sorts of difficulties and unexpected events in life. We never expect our journey through life to be smooth sailing."
"What should you do when you encounter a problem?"
Dumbledore gently raised his left hand, adorned with strange rings. A surge of fire, and the phoenix Fawkes appeared in his palm. Amidst the young wizards' gasps, the phoenix quickly flew through the air around them like a streak of flame.
"My answer is—"
"Magic!"
"Young wizards, listen to the voice of magic, answer its call, follow the will of your own heart, and embark on your journey!"
Boom!
Fawkes swiftly ascended, then suddenly exploded, transforming into countless fireworks that burst open above the Great Hall, a dazzling display of fire and silver blossoms.
To the side, Professor Lockhart, ready to speak, cast a resentful glance.
Old Dumbledore had set the bar so high and even used his lines. What could he possibly say now when he went up?
Was he doing it on purpose?
Well, actually, he still had a few things to say.
Compared to when he first arrived, where he needed to use exaggerated gestures and boastful tactics to present and shape his image as a "great magic master," he could now walk onto the stage with elegance. Even without speaking, merely offering a standard, perfect smile, he could effortlessly feel everyone's respect and admiration.
His efforts over the past six months hadn't been in vain.
Just as Senior Rita Skeeter described him in her personal interview in the Daily Prophet: "Gilderoy, invited by Headmaster Albus Dumbledore to serve as a professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, found this both a recognition of his abilities and a challenge. We are delighted to find that Gilderoy lives up to the title of professor; he has begun to grow increasingly composed and wise, exuding a charming, mature charisma."
"Children."
Lockhart smiled warmly at everyone. "Do you remember the first lesson I gave you?"
"I said then that we should embrace the romance of fairy tales, that we should go on adventures, and feel the charm of magic blooming..."
"But please remember!"
He was so sincere, looking around at each increasingly familiar face, "Our lives should not be defined. We should pursue and explore our own unique fairy-tale lives!"
"And then you will discover that life and magic will both open up paths for you."
"This is the biggest difference between wizards and Muggles. The magic we possess is not merely a means of attack. It cannot simply be defined as a more powerful and mysterious weapon than what Muggles wield. Magic is life, magic is existence, magic is everything!"
"It expands the boundaries of life, in every sense of the word. That is the meaning of magic for wizards."
Magic, the ultimate romance of a fairy tale.
This wasn't to say that magic literally came from a fairy tale, but rather a peculiar context. Entering this context made it genuinely easy to experience the exquisite beauty of magic.
Lockhart, who was almost like a Muggle when he first transmigrated, benefited from this.
He was not at all stingy, teaching it clearly to everyone.
This truly honored his identity as a professor at a school of magic.
Compared to the young wizards' fervent enthusiasm during Dumbledore's speech, they were now lost in thought.
Among them was Hermione Granger.
She was the first young wizard to ask her idol, Professor Lockhart, about the "true meaning of magic." Now, after half a year of following his lessons, she already had an answer in her heart.
She had indeed previously viewed magic as a weapon for wizards, sometimes even comparing wizarding magic to Muggle firearms. In fact, many Muggle-born wizards occasionally had such thoughts.
But now, Professor Lockhart had given an answer that couldn't be clearer—magic is life, magic is everything.
Hermione suddenly felt a sense of profound clarity, realizing precisely why magic had seemed so lacking in spirit in her hands.
The answer was that she had never thought of letting magic completely enter her life.
This wasn't as simple as reading wizarding newspapers, playing wizard chess, eating chocolate frogs, or wearing wizard robes.
It was difficult.
Yet also simple.
Hermione couldn't help but look forward to the next six months of the "Hogwarts Chamber of Secrets Adventure."
Perhaps in these six months, she would fully embark on her own unique magical path, her own fairy tale.
The school clearly took the upcoming six months of the "Hogwarts Chamber of Secrets Adventure" very seriously. One only had to look at the contents of the parchment Mr. Filch was vigorously nailing to the notice board to know.
A long list of professors was enumerated there.
Professors and Assistant Professors responsible for Defense Against the Dark Arts:
Professor Gilderoy Lockhart
Professor Silvanus Kettleburn
Heads of the Four Houses:
Professor Minerva McGonagall
Professor Severus Snape
Professor Pomona Sprout
Professor Filius Flitwick
There was also a string of other professors and teachers listed, as well as Rubeus Hagrid, the gamekeeper.
Since it was a Chamber and an adventure, it naturally required some interesting and stimulating challenges, as well as adapting the monsters or magical plants in the scenarios to the abilities of the young wizards.
Snape even discussed with Professor McGonagall turning some magical potions into various objects using Transfiguration to throw into the scenarios, hoping to improve the young wizards' adaptability.
Professor Kettleburn was also consulting with Hagrid about which magical creatures from the Forbidden Forest to invite to participate in the game.
Professor Flitwick excitedly discussed with Flying instructor Madam Hooch the possibility of young wizards using broomsticks to explore within the adventure scenarios.
Of course, the most important element was still the final BOSS in the Chamber of Secrets.
Lockhart had already discussed this with the members of the "Duelling Club," including Harry. He intended to arrange some Dark magical creatures as their ultimate challenge.
It could be Dementors, a Basilisk, or even a Boggart.
This was going to be very interesting.
He was looking forward to the scene where, without enough experience to identify the monster before them, they would laugh heartily at a real Dementor and cast Riddikulus, a spell specifically for Boggarts.
Emmm...
He hoped they wouldn't cry from fright.
To better collect various Dark magical creatures, Lockhart also had to take action.
To be honest, he might not find Basilisks or Dementors, but common Dark magical creatures that were part of the Ordinary Wizarding Level (OWL) and Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test (NEWT) exams, requiring knowledge of how to handle them, would be relatively easy to acquire.
Banshees, Vampires, Hags, Werewolves, Inferi...
This would require a bit of networking.
On the first day of the Christmas holidays, Lockhart didn't immediately take the "Duelling Club" young wizards on their adventure. He gave them a day off to adjust their mindsets.
He, however, was attending a gathering of the Anti-Dark Arts Alliance, a large international organization.
Many of his colleagues were members; for Dark magical creatures, these were the people to ask.
Fortunately, this year's Anti-Dark Arts Alliance gathering was scheduled in Hogsmeade Village.
The theme of the event was "Commemoration of the 380th Anniversary of the 1612 Goblin Rebellions," and Hogsmeade Village was historically the headquarters of the Goblin Rebellions. Professor Dumbledore had also accepted the invitation.
Hmm, Lockhart strongly suspected that Dumbledore, who always seemed so busy, was willing to participate in this gathering at this time probably to scout for potential candidates to take over the Defense Against the Dark Arts professorship.
This organization was truly full of talent.
For example, the Dark Arts Creature Specialist serving the Ministry of Magic, Lyle Lupin (Remus Lupin's father).