Chapter 255: The Third Project Group
There is never a shortage of conspiracy theories in this world.
For example, was the movie incident, or even the previous attack on the Ministry of Magic by wizards and Muggle military, truly not orchestrated by the newly-released Grindelwald in the shadows? After all, who would understand Dumbledore's potential reactions better than Grindelwald?
And another example: If that was the case, did Dumbledore really not know that Grindelwald was stirring up trouble?
And then, did he just go with the flow, using the opportunity to completely and utterly push a highly dangerous Dark Wizard like Voldemort into opposition with the wizarding community? After all, who understood Dumbledore better than Dumbledore?
These conspiracy theories... they weren't Lockhart's concern, nor were they within his scope of thought. His "Fairy Tale" philosophy has never focused on the world's absolute truth, but rather on the immutable, universal, and fundamental laws contained within its "appearance."
Grasp the laws, and the past, present, and future of this world will become clear and bright. This is what's known as the Tao: it can't be told, nor does it need to be told. You just need to observe its subtlety through what is and what is not.
The "Fairy Tale" is by no means the reality of the world; it is the law of the world. It is simply a definition from Lockhart. Just like Dumbledore's magical philosophy of "love," Lockhart's magical philosophy of "Fairy Tale" cares more about the experience, the process. While it fully harnesses subjective initiative, it doesn't demand a result. It waits for magic to naturally bloom.
Simply put, Lockhart doesn't care whether a war breaks out between wizards and Muggles, or even a planet-destroying conflict. If a war happens, it's an exciting experience. If a war doesn't happen, it's also a wonderful experience. The key is just to enjoy the process.
So, in a very subtle way, at the beginning of this "Dumbledore's New Era," when everyone else was at a loss, Lockhart was the most at ease.
The commotion at the London mansion lasted for two full days. People quietly left, and others quietly arrived.
Without anyone realizing it, Lockhart had become a person in demand. And so, a certain topic naturally arose.
"The Ministry of Magic is recommending me to the International Confederation of Wizards?"
Lockhart looked a bit surprised at the group of people who were all excitedly trying to push him into the International Confederation of Wizards. He looked around and then at Fudge. "Is this your idea?"
Fudge was startled and quickly waved his hands. "No, of course not. You know me, I've always respected your choices. Of course, I mean, if—"
He stammered a bit. "If you have any such thoughts, the British Ministry of Magic will fully support and recommend you."
The International Confederation of Wizards is a very special organization. It is supreme over all Ministries of Magic, holding the highest authority, yet its members can only join with the recommendation of a Ministry of Magic. No other organization, not even powerful ones like the Order of Merlin, the Wizarding Council, or the Society of Apothecaries, has the right to send people to the Confederation.
"Yes, Mr. Lockhart, a magical master like you is naturally qualified to be a part of the Confederation—" Professor McGonagall's nephew, Mr. Urquhart, had just arrived and, hearing the discussion, came over to get involved.
Lockhart shook his head. "I'm not interested in politics."
"You don't have to join the 'High Council.' The International Confederation of Wizards has many departments that are suitable for you," Mr. Urquhart, who was already in the Confederation, explained the organization's internal structure to Lockhart.
There was the Department of Education, which managed magic schools worldwide.
The Quidditch Committee, which managed global events.
The Auror Liaison Office— The International Task Force— And so on. The titles were too numerous to list.
If Lockhart were interested, there were too many departments he could choose from. But he just kept shaking his head.
He knew that these people actually wanted him to stand up and lead the way, to stand in front of Dumbledore and provide them with a safety net. This was understandable; the weak seeking the protection of the strong. They longed for a central figure.
But Lockhart also knew that even though so many people had come here, not many were truly willing to become his followers. He had, after all, not yet accomplished enough to accumulate sufficient prestige, nor had he conveyed his "political philosophy" to the outside world for people to identify with. He had simply shown his powerful abilities, which had given these people a glimmer of hope.
It came back to the same point: no hurry.
He wasn't in a hurry at all. He could wait for the ones who were trying to push him into the Confederation to get desperate, to really think about what they could do for him to earn his protection.
And even then, it would be up to him whether he wanted them or not.
He wasn't necessarily going to build his own faction with a name like the "Order of the Phoenix," the "Acolytes," or the "Death Eaters."
Compared to these scrambling people, Lockhart's true foundation was actually his students. The very students who were quietly flourishing everywhere.
The Christmas holiday had passed quietly. No matter what big events had happened in the wizarding world, the young wizards had to get on the train back to school to continue their studies.
The young wizards were clearly unaffected by the world situation. On the train, everyone was happily chattering about their holiday adventures. Among them, the most eye-catching were the Weasley twins, George and Fred.
They had spent the holiday with Professor Lockhart's investment, traveling all over northern Europe. They returned with big bags of items, looking incredibly conspicuous.
The twins always had too many creative ideas and had made many interesting inventions while they were still in school. Many of them were quite impressive.
But Lockhart was still not satisfied with their performance and hoped they could develop more deeply.
One only had to look at the products they sold at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes in the future to see that their inventions were always created on a whim and scattered across countless fields.
There were curse-related ones, like the Puking Pastilles, Fainting Fancies, Nosebleed Nougat, Fever Fudge, and a whole series of instant-sick sweets for skipping class.
There were Transfiguration-related ones, like the Canary Cream and Ton-Tongue Toffee.
There were magical artifact-related ones, like the Anti-Jinx Hats, Self-Inking Quills, and Quick-Quotes Quills.
There were mechanical ones, like the Reusable Hangman and Punching Telescope.
There were gunpowder-related ones, like Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-bangs, Decoy Detonators, and Instant Darkness Powder.
There were magical creature breeding ones, like the Pygmy Puff.
There were potion-related ones, like WonderWitch Love Potion and Skiving Snackboxes—there were just too many.
So many that it made one believe George and Fred could have made great achievements in any field of invention.
But that was precisely the problem.
George and Fred's studies in every subject always stayed at the basic level. Their curiosity and desire for pranks had given them a solid grasp of the fundamentals, but their too-flighty mindset prevented them from truly diving deep into any single field.
If they were allowed to continue developing like this, they would probably become very famous prank toy experts, but they would never reach the level of a master, let alone touch the dazzling, mesmerizing pinnacle.
They wouldn't be able to make the kind of true inventions that would leave even wizards in awe, calling them miracles.
The Philosopher's Stone, Vanishing Cabinets, Time-Turners, the three Deathly Hallows, and the Sorting Hat were all beyond them. Lockhart wasn't even sure if George and Fred, following their original path, would have been able to create magical objects like their father Arthur's Flying Car or the family clock that showed everyone's status.
He had never dictated or ordered what they had to do, and he had no intention of wickedly grooming them into arms dealers. Instead, he splashed cold water on them, making them face the reality that they were still very weak, and then provided ample funding for them to find the future they craved.
The only requirement was that even the Ministry of Magic would see their finished product and feel that they should be paying to support such experts. Just like Lupin's father, Lyall, who was supported in a special department at the Ministry.
George and Fred were full of motivation. Their older brother Percy was already training an army in the name of a tournament, and their younger brother Ron was compiling the most unique "Hagrid's Dictionary" in wizarding history. They didn't want to lose face in front of Percy and Ron.
The two-week Christmas holiday was enough for them to come up with a great idea.
"A House-Armour?"
When they arrived at school, the twins approached Professor Lockhart to explain their concept. Lockhart was baffled. He didn't quite understand what the strange compound word meant.
The three of them chatted and walked down a corridor. George strode ahead, gesturing to a set of knight's armor in the corner of the corridor, his hands indicating it. "Armor!"
Fred took the knight's sword from the armor's hand and, mimicking the armor's pose, stood in an empty spot on the armor stand, pretending to be a statue.
"If a bad guy sneaks into the house—" George narrated in a very mysterious tone.
"Beep beep beep beep," Fred cooperated, making a sound with his mouth, a bit like the electronic sound of a Muggle toy. He said, "Enemy detected, enemy detected!"
As he spoke, he moved his body like a Muggle doing the robot dance, spun the sword in a flourish, and jumped off the stand, slashing wildly in front of him.
"Armor, just like a house-elf!" George gestured, introducing it with pride.
Lockhart understood. "A treasure guardian? An invention similar to a gargoyle?"
Gargoyles were the most classic magical creations for guarding homes, castles, and treasures. There were many similar things in wizarding history. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry had them too, like the stone gargoyle that Professor McGonagall was so fond of. Or the powerful, oversized Wizard Chess pieces Professor McGonagall had created when Harry was in his first year.
In fact, if that set of Wizard Chess pieces were ever displayed outside of school, Professor McGonagall would surely earn the title of a Master of Magical Artifacts. Just imagine having a set like that at home—it would be enough to face many threats.
"This would require very advanced research in the field of Transfiguration, especially magic like the Animation Charm," Lockhart muttered, stroking his chin.
"More than just a gargoyle!" George said, looking pleased.
"Yes, we're making it armor not just because it's cooler than a gargoyle!" Fred explained. "When necessary, a wizard can wear this armor!"
George continued, "It will assist the wizard in combat and won't affect them casting spells. When using a weapon, the bad guys will never guess that the wizard inside can also cast magic! When needed, it can also carry a tired wizard to safety."
Fred patted his chest hard, making a loud thump sound. "By using the hide and feathers of magical creatures, it can be immune to a large portion of common magical attacks!"
"It's also very effective in daily life," George said excitedly. "People who are missing a hand or a leg can live normally with it!"
"Yes, it can assist a lazy owner with exercise," Fred said elegantly, re-inserting the longsword into the scabbard in the armor's hand on the stand. "In a fight, we can use it as a cage to trap bad guys!"
They spoke one after another, getting more and more excited as they described this great invention, believing it would become an essential item for every wizard's home and travel, as important as a house-elf.
Lockhart listened with interest, from time to time marveling at their wild ideas. He was even starting to get excited about their invention.
"Very well, gentlemen Weasley, you've convinced me."
Lockhart looked at the two lively brothers with a laugh and motioned for them. "Come on, I'll take you to Mr. Filch."
George was stunned. "Filch?"
Fred had the same expression. "Why would we go to him?"
Lockhart looked back at them with a smile. "Of course, to have him help you find an abandoned classroom to use. Did you plan to complete your invention in the dormitory?"
"Merlin's Jelly Slugs!" George exclaimed excitedly.
"Professor, you're the best!" Fred waved his hands and jumped for joy.
"Don't thank me yet." Lockhart chuckled. "I'll ask Mr. Filch to help you find an empty classroom near Professor McGonagall's office. If there isn't one, then find one near Professor Snape's. So if your invention malfunctions and the armor starts hunting you down, someone can save your lives!"
"Oh," George groaned.
"That doesn't sound like good news," Fred said, his face falling.
"And here's another piece of bad news." Lockhart stopped and looked at the two brothers with a scrutinizing gaze. They both swallowed and took a step back. "I think you should remember my sincere warning that your knowledge is still not enough, right?"
The two brothers nodded miserably, fearing the professor would impose academic requirements on them, which would make things very difficult.
"I won't have any extra academic requirements for you. That's for your other professors to handle," Lockhart knew his students too well. He motioned for them to walk with him toward Filch's office. "I will have some people keep an eye on you. At the same time, I will require you to involve the students watching you as much as possible, teaching them, and continuing our Dueling Club's 'old-helping-new' tradition."
With that, he put his arms around the two brothers' shoulders. "Any problem with that?"
George's face was mournful, like a beloved pet that hadn't turned into a magical girl but into an old man. "Of course, we'd be happy to."
Fred also looked miserable. "Even the Slytherins, yes, even though we hate them so much, we'll teach them well."
Lockhart laughed, a hearty roar.
"I'll call them over in a bit. You can all go and clean up the classroom you'll be using together. Don't leave everything for Mr. Filch to do."
"Them?" George's expression was horrified.
"Not just one?" Fred looked at him as if he were a cruel professor.
But soon, the two sad-looking fellows were cheerful again, barely suppressing their excitement as they bumped shoulders and elbowed each other, their eyes full of life.
Because the members Lockhart had found for their project group were none other than the school's famous "Gryffindor Quidditch Sisters"! Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet, and Katie Bell.
Their teammates from the Gryffindor Quidditch team. And— Fred had a huge crush on Angelina. And so did George, most likely.
The two brothers looked the same, had the same personality, and even had the exact same taste in witches.
Of course, Lockhart hadn't made this arrangement with a thought like, "Fred, do you want a wife or not?"
George and Fred were too flighty. They might have incredible motivation at times, but climbing the ladder of knowledge was always painful and grueling. Lockhart was certain that the products of "Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes" were inventions within the twins' capabilities, in their comfort zone.
But to achieve the "House-Armour" they described would undoubtedly be a huge challenge. They needed a strong-willed person to support them.
Angelina was just such a person. She would become the Gryffindor Quidditch team captain in the future, and even someone with as much personality as Harry would listen to her obediently. She was forceful, decisive, and full of leadership, but she also fully respected her teammates' abilities, unlike Draco from the Slytherin Quidditch team, who wanted to take all the credit for himself.
Lockhart was very much looking forward to the results of this third Dueling Club project group.